This week the BBC aired a show called 'Who made me fat?' presented by Becca Wilcox in which she investigated the underlying reasons for the ever present obesity crisis. However, this did not take the usual direction that these kind of shows normally follow as she chose to try and dig up some underlying reasons to support her dietary conspiracy theory. The theory basically was that certain large food corporations are trying to feed us more of their products to generate greater profit and in so doing are directly adding fuel to the obesity fire! For this they should be held in part responsible for the obesity epidemic we are experiencing in the UK and many countries around the world.
It all began when Becca revealed that only 3 food companies sponsor the Olympic games, Coca cola, McDonalds and Cadbury. This immediately sparked an ethical debate about whether or not this is right, that foods with poor nutritional value and a high degree of processing should be allowed to associate themselves with events that are viewed as showcasing the fittest people on the planet. This was followed by a wide and varied content which raised many questions and some suggested answers. This documentary was certainly meant to be provocative.
Here is a summary of the issues presented.
- Three NHS hospitals in the UK have now got Burger Kings within the buildings. People can therefore be in hospital to be treated for heart disease and atherosclerosis whilst down in the lobby others are eating foods that could very well be contributing to the same problems.
- The governments Change 4 life campaign is costing the tax payer £75 million yet the same government seems to turn a blind eye to the vast quantity of poor quality food and fast foods that are allowed to be sold and marketed to the public at large.
- The NHS (and therefore the tax payer) are currently spending £4.2 billion a year on obesity and its related diseases.
- The 4 largest supermarkets control 70% of the food market within the UK. They are machines of profit and therefore market their goods to maximise financial gain regardless of whether this contributes to the obesity crisis.
- After a shopping spree to only purchase buy one get one free offers (BOGOF) it was determined that across the 4 major supermarkets for every BOGOF deal for a healthier food there were 3 available for processed junk food.
- Morrisons came bottom for healthy food for the 4th year running in survey despite their claim that they offer "fresh food at affordable prices" - 63 % of BOGOF offers were junk food in Morrisons.
- British heart foundation experts were interviewed who supported the idea that the food industry promotes unhealthy food products as healthy, especially to children.
- Sugar Bureau were investigated exposing their double standards and trying to promote refined sugars as part of a healthy diet. An interview with Aubrey Shine, a professor of dental health said they are in no way impartial and they are heavily influenced by the major sugar companies and lobby relentlessly with government to protect and promote their interests.
- An interview with the minister for public health did get an acknowledgement that it was wrong to have Burger King in hospitals, but tried again to protect the food companies place within the food market and was not prepared to accept that they should be held responsible in part for the increasing waistlines of the population.
Whether you felt all the points raised in this programme were correct and valid or not it, was presented in a fun and provocative way that at least will bring to the forefront some issues that needed to be made more public. We must accept that these large supermarkets, processed food manufacturers and fast food chains are in the business of making money and this is what they do really well. They are all hugely profitable and know what it takes to increase their sales and profits. One aspect that is vital for this is to maintain a continually positive public facing image whilst maximising corporate and marketing position.
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