MIDDLEWICH MP Fiona Bruce, chaired an important meeting in the House of Commons on the link between alcohol and obesity. 


Fiona, who is the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm, chaired the meeting last week with fellow MPs, Lords, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity Maggie Throup MP, health professionals, industry members and charity experts.


The group met together to discuss what more can be done to educate the public about the dangerous link between alcohol and obesity. 


Fiona Bruce MP said: “The outcome of the meeting was that everyone would benefit from better information and education. The whole group was clear that the public need better information about the link between alcohol and obesity. 


“While some businesses are providing calorie information on the back of their bottles, such as Sainsbury’s own brand of alcohol products, it is essential that this becomes the norm so that consumers can make informed decisions.


“There was a real enthusiasm to tackle this vital public health problem. I am sure that it will be the beginning of more campaigning on this issue. By linking up a range of professionals with different areas of expertise, real solutions can be found.”


Dr Paul Nelson, a trustee of the charity Drinkaware, opened the meeting by outlining the facts.


Dr Nelson said: “The link between alcohol and obesity has dangerous health consequences, particularly increasing the chance of liver disease. However many people are not aware of the amount of calories in alcohol: for example, in a recent survey 60 per cent of people did not know or underestimated the calories in a pint of lager.”