MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH MSP SUPPORTS CALL TO SCALE DOWN CANCER

Colin Beattie MSP is backing Cancer Research UK’s Scale Down Cancer campaign to help prevent obesity-related cancers across Scotland.
 
Scotland has one of the heaviest populations in Europe, with around two-thirds (64%) of adults and more than one quarter (22%) of children in Scotland overweight or obese. 
Colin Beattie MSP heard about Cancer Research UK’s Scale Down Campaign, which calls for the urgent implementation of the Scottish Government’s proposal to restrict supermarket multi-buy discounts on foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt.
 
Given that obesity is the single biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking, it is critical that action is taken to tackle Scotland’s obesity challenges.
Research shows that shoppers who buy more on promotion are more likely to be overweight or obese (72%) meanwhile two thirds of the public in Scotland back moves to restrict price promotions on foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt.
 
Colin Beattie MSP said: “Four in ten cancers are preventable, yet not enough of us know that obesity is the single biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. Given the devastating impact that cancer has on families in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, it’s vital we take action on obesity.
 
“We cannot let obesity become the new normal in Scotland, and that’s why I’m joining forces with Cancer Research UK and the Scale Down Cancer campaign.”
 
Gordon Matheson, Cancer Research UK’s Public Affairs Manager in Scotland said:
 
“You cannot walk into a shop without being bombarded by offers to buy 2 for 1 mega bars of chocolate or fizzy drinks. We need to tackle the link between the price-promotion of junk food and obesity. Together we can beat cancer but that means tackling avoidable causes like obesity as well as supporting world class research and cancer care.
 
“An obese child is five times more likely to become an obese adult. Scotland’s current weight problem will only get worse unless we act now.”
 
“By introducing laws to restrict multi-buy offers on junk food and sugary drinks, the Scottish Government can help stack the odds of beating cancer in our favour.”