Kingston Council plans ban on junk food adverts to tackle obesity and diabetes

A London borough is set to introduce a ban on junk food advertising in a move aimed at tackling rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

Kingston Council in south-west London has proposed a new policy that would prohibit the promotion of unhealthy products across all council-owned property and advertising contracts. The ban would cover food and drink high in fat, salt, or sugar — commonly linked to poor health outcomes.

Under the proposed scheme, the council would be responsible for ensuring all new advertising contracts comply with the policy, and existing contracts would be updated to align with the restrictions when they come up for renewal.

The move follows a joint strategic needs assessment carried out in Kingston in 2023, which revealed that rates of diabetes are increasing, with around 2,000 cases linked directly to obesity. The assessment also identified the top five risk factors contributing to poor health and early death: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, high body mass index, poor diet and high blood pressure.

A council report stated that the new policy would "support strategic and operational plans to address the rising rates of obesity and chronic disease in the borough."

If approved, Kingston would join 24 local authorities — including nine other London boroughs — that have already adopted similar health-focused advertising restrictions.