Advertiser pedals anti-obesity line

Jean-François Decaux, the head of outdoor advertising company JC Decaux, has challenged the government to show it is serious about fighting obesity. By Claire Cozens.

Bikes: that’s our answer Tessa, says ad firm

1pm: Tessa Jowell wants advertisers to take action to help fight obesity. So today, the head of one of the country's biggest advertising companies said it would offer free bicycles to Londoners.Claire Cozens reports.

Public asked how to make the nation healthier

A national consultation on how to improve public health and tackle the 'worrying problems' of obesity, smoking and sexually transmitted infections was launched today by the health secretary, John Reid.

Jowell rules out curbs on junk food adverts

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell will rule out new curbs on advertising junk foods to children in a speech to the advertising industry today, in which she is expected to call for voluntary action to tackle the crisis of obesity instead. By Felicity Lawrence.

Doctors see an alcoholic a day – but there’s no more cash to help

The following apology was printed in the Observer's For the record column, Sunday March 7 2004Editing changes made to the article below made it appear that Professor Michael Marmot, chair of the Academy of Medical Sciences' working group on alcohol policy, spoke to The Observer in advance of the release of his group's report, 'Calling Time: The nation's drinking as a major health issue.' This was not so. Apologies.
The Government has been accused of ignoring an impending health crisis after it emerged last night that a long-awaited report into combating alcohol misuse rules out more cash for treating people with drink problems.