Government to ban junk food ads before 9pm

The UK government is set to launch a new strategy to combat obesity that involves banning junk-food advertising from being aired before 9pm.

The strategy could kick into effect as early as next week and will also include the banning of in-store promotions, reported Sky News on Friday.

The Institute Of Practitioners In Advertising (IPA) sent a letter to its members complaining about the new campaign and warning them of what this could mean for the sector.

The letter, seen by Sky News, described the government's plans as "draconian".

The prime minister who has previously criticised moves such as the sugar tax said that his time in hospital, combating the coronavirus has made him change his mind.

Many studies have shown obesity and diabetes are a risk factor for serious complications or death from the virus.

The PM wants to tackle obesity so people are as healthy as possible in preparation for a second wave of the virus that is expected in the autumn.

According to the Health Survey for England in 2017, around 28.7% of adults in England are obese and a further 35.6% are overweight.