Obesity webinar

Obesity crisis demands more food science research

13-Jul-2014 - Last updated on 28-Sep-2021 at 09:17 GMT

More research is needed to counter Britain’s burgeoning obesity crisis, according to the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), which helped the Food Manufacture Group stage an independent, free, one-hour video on the subject earlier this month.

Jon Poole, IFST chief executive highlighted the need for more research in this video filmed after the online seminar – Obesity and health, the big fat, sugar and salt debate – which aired on July 3.

“There needs to be nutritional research, food science research and there needs to be consumer behavorial research too,” said Poole. “As we have heard today, sometimes making quick reactions may lead to unintended consequences. So, it is important we have a proper look at all the issues and then take action – and take it fast but based on evidence.”

‘Unintended consequences’

Taking part in the webinar were: Barbara Gallani, director of regulatory affairs, science and health at the Food and Drink Federation, Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Dr Charlotte Evans, lecturer in nutritional epidemiology and public health nutrition at the University of Leeds and professor Alan Jackson, director National Institute for Health Research, Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.

In addition to the IFST, the webinar was backed by the British Dietetic Association and the Nutrition Society in a bid to introduce more science into the obesity debate.

Missed the webinar? You and your colleagues can listen at any time, any number of times to the broadcast by registering here.