The Scottish Government is set to restrict sales of junk food, and call for a restriction on advertising

A new government strategy has been launched to tackle childhood obesity.

The Scottish Government has said that the sale of junk food will be restricted as part of the plans – a move that has been welcomed by health experts.

Over £40 million of new investment will be made to deliver almost 100,000 supported weight management interventions for people with, or at risk of, Type 2 diabetes and calls will be made to ban TV advertising of foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar before the 9pm watershed.

A consultation has been announced on the plans and public health minister Aileen Campbell has said that now is the time for action.

She said: “Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer cardiovascular disease and depression. Simply put, it’s harming the people of Scotland. It also puts pressure on the NHS, other public services and our economy.

“That is why we need commitment and action from everyone across all sectors and at all levels including government, citizens, the public sector and businesses right across the country.”

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, welcomed the plans. He said: “In tackling multi-buy offers on junk food, regulation will be crucial. Multi-buy offers on alcohol are already regulated in Scotland and the same thing must be done for junk food. Scotland has been in the grip of an obesity epidemic for too long.”

The strategy was unveiled at Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh this week.