It is feared the UK government could scrap its anti-obesity strategy, as an official review has been ordered of measures designed to deter people from eating junk food.

According to the Guardian, the review could lead to the lifting of the ban on sugary products being displayed at checkouts and buy-one-get-one-free deals, as well as the ban on advertising some products on TV before 9pm.

The review has been ordered by the Treasury as part of the drive to cut burdens on business and help consumers with the cost-of-living crisis.

Currently, almost two-thirds of UK adults are overweight or obese and obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6.1 billion a year.

The Obesity Health Alliance, a grouping of 50 health charities and medical organisations, said: “We are deeply concerned. It would be reckless to waste government and business time and money rowing back on these obesity policies, which are evidence-based and already in law. These policies are popular with the public, who want it to be easier to make healthier choices.”

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