Mary "astonished" at Health Minister's hypocrisy

On 29th July, Shadow Minister for Public Health, Mary Creagh, gave her reaction to the Public Health Minister's suggestion that GPs and health professionals should call overweight people fat to help them lose weight.

Mary Creagh said "It is astonishing that Anne Milton, the Public Health Minister, says we should call pregnant women fat to help them lose weight. Obesity is a clinical condition and obese mums-to-be know they have a problem. This is irresponsible and offensive to people with weight problems. Lifestyle diseases are a major drain on NHS resources and changing eating habits is vital to stop the rising tide of obesity. Calling people "fat" whilst cutting government investment in public health campaigns and cosying up to the food industry is hypocrisy of the worst kind."

Ms Milton's comments contrast sharply with her words on obesity on the Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Statements/DH_118018

Mary added "The Minister appears to be doing a Nick Clegg! Speaking as a Government Minister but simultaneously speaking in a personal capacity."

Ms Milton's comments come just weeks after Health Secretary Andrew Lansley promised the food industry no new regulation in return for increased private sector funding for the Change for Life public health programme.