• Question: Ironic that some of your favourite foods are a waste of the billions of pounds invested by the government in the 'Change4Life' campaign. Your thoughts?

    Asked by imaaan to Chris, Emma, Jonathan, Katharine, Shehla, Simon on 20 Jun 2017.
    • Photo: Christopher Symonds

      Christopher Symonds answered on 20 Jun 2017:


      I am not too sure what you mean by this question but I think campaigns of this sort certainly do some good for some people but whether they warrant the vast amount of money spent on them I am not too sure.

    • Photo: Katharine Bradbury

      Katharine Bradbury answered on 20 Jun 2017:


      I think change 4 life is a good campaign which has raised awareness of the fat, salt and sugar content of various foods. The information aimed at parents is particularly good and several of my patients have commented they found it useful. Whether it is value for money is difficult to know as it is hard to measure the dietary changes people make. I am not quite sure what you mean in the first part of your question about ‘some of your favourite food are a waste of billions of pounds’ – I am happy to try and answer if you could clarify.

    • Photo: Emma Rowe

      Emma Rowe answered on 20 Jun 2017:


      Favourite foods doesn’t mean foods we eat every day.
      I work 11 hour days so sometimes I will eat quick, convenient foods as I am tired when I get home. I know that’s not the healthiest option for me, but if it’s choosing between eating or not eating before bed, I will always choose eating as I have to be fueled for the following 11 hour day.

    • Photo: Jonathan Harte

      Jonathan Harte answered on 20 Jun 2017:


      Yep,
      I’m human. It’s true that changing behaviours is incredibly difficult and we all make bad (unhealthy) lifestyle choices. I think it helps me empathise with my patients who also struggle.
      That doesn’t mean we can’t advocate healthy lifestyles and behaviours to our patients and through campaigns like Change4Life.

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