This investigation by leading medical journal, The BMJ, exposes the lobbying efforts by the advertising industry to thwart plans to ban junk food adverts. Some of the councils that provided evidence of industry lobbying have among the worst rates of childhood obesity in England. Experts now urge a ban on “out-of-home” HFSS advertising, in line with restrictions on such foods being advertised on television before the 9 pm watershed and in paid-for online adverts at any time, which are due to come into effect in October 2025.

Aimed at: Public health stakeholders and local council teams.