The UK continues to face a health crisis with the NHS under pressure
from waiting lists, funding limits, and staff shortages with obesity alone costing the NHS £11.4 billion annually.
The Government aims to relieve NHS pressure and improve health
through preventative care, and has published a National Food
Strategy focused on food security, health, environment and economy.
However, about 16% of average UK calorie intake coming from what
we drink and over 41% of 25–44 year-olds thinking that “as long as I
am eating healthily it doesn’t matter what I drink”.
It is vital that Government action and policies do not overlook the
important role that hydration can play in supporting the health of
the nation, helping tackle obesity and promote healthy lifestyles.
Our key asks:
• The National Food Strategy is renamed the National Food and Drink Strategy so the importance of what we drink is recognised alongside what we eat
• All publicly funded research on food and nutrition must also recognise drinks and hydration
• Review the Eat Well Guide to include a prominent glass of water, with the message that water should be the first choice for healthy hydration