Obesity and cancer: a live debate in the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Government has said it will publish a new strategy on diet and obesity in 2017, and as part of our Scale Down Cancer campaign we want to make sure that strategy is as comprehensive as possible. In particular, we want to see restrictions on multi-buy discounts and related promotions in Scotland, such as 2 for £3, on foods high in sugar, fat and salt. These offers can lead people to buy and eat more unhealthy food than they might otherwise, so restrictions could help reduce obesity rates.

To make sure this message is heard, we went to Edinburgh to talk to Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) about how they can tackle obesity and help prevent more cancers. And this included a live debate in the Scottish Parliament on what the Scottish Government can do to help prevent cancer by focusing on obesity.

Here’s how the day unfolded…