Following on from the Public Health White Paper, this document sets out how action on obesity will be delivered as the move is made towards the new public health system.

The Call to action announces the Government’s new national ambitions for a downward trend in excess weight in both children and adults by 2020 and sets out how, by working together, a wide range of partners will be able to make these ambitions a reality.

As part of the vision for achieving these ambitions, the Call to action issues a new ‘calorie reduction challenge’, calling on the food and drink industry to play a key role – alongside Government and others – in reducing the population’s calorie intake by 5 billion calories a day to help close the crucial imbalance between energy in and energy out.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We have to halt and then reverse the tide of obesity in this country. Government has a role to play, but it is clear that we cannot do this alone. We need to work in a broad partnership with local authorities, businesses, charities, health professionals and individuals.

“We have already seen how we can move further, faster through the Responsibility Deal and I am now challenging business to help us make even greater progress.

“Reducing the number of calories we consume is essential. It can happen if business continues action to reduce calories in everyday foods and drinks, and if all of us who are overweight take simple steps to reduce our calorie intake.

“If we collectively rise to the challenge we have set in the Call to Action, we can create an environment that helps people make informed, balanced choices about their health and reduce the burden of obesity.”

A new approach

The Call to action also sets out:

• how a wide range of partners can work together to ensure that people get the right support and information to help them reach and maintain a healthier weight
• the importance of action focusing on both children and adults, and on both prevention and treatment
• the message that while physical activity is important, for most of us reducing the amount of calories we consume is key to weight loss
• how under the new public health system local authorities will have an enhanced role, supported by a ring-fenced budget, and will bring together local partners, including the NHS, to provide effective interventions
• how at national level we will support local areas by making sure they have access to the best possible data and evidence
• a continuing key role for Government to complement this work by leading the Public Health Responsibility Deal and national campaigns such as Change4Life