The food industry’s far reaching influence and our need to act now

Thank you for highlighting the influence of industry in healthcare.1McDonald’s will soon open a ninth restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent,2 where we work. The food industry has great potential to influence eating habits and health at a population level. The risks of excessive consumption of fast foods are linked to increased prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.34 In Stoke-on-Trent rates of overweight and obesity have risen over the past five years.5 The city also has a high ratio of fast food outlets per person.6 This disproportionate concentration in an already deprived area exacerbates existing health inequalities.7Options to limit the impact of fast food sales could include incentivising healthy food retailers to establish outlets that promote nutritional options. Creating new businesses is not always a viable option, however, and working with existing businesses to create ways to combat ill health should be considered. Another possibility is to implement regulation zones…
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