Commenting on the news that the government expert advisory group on obesity has been disbanded, professor John Wass, chair of the RCP working party on the management of obesity, said:
The RCP is disappointed to learn that the government has disbanded its expert advisory group on obesity. In the fight against major public health issues such as obesity, it is vital that government listens to independent and evidence-based advice.
The expert advisory group on obesity was setup following the Foresight report on obesity which presented extensive scientific evidence on the issue. Such evidence must be listened to and acted upon.
The RCP has commissioned a working party to investigate the management of obesity and the group is expected to report in early 2012.
For further information, please contact Andrew McCracken, RCP Communications and New Media Adviser, on +44 (0)203 075 1354 / 07990 745 608, or email andrew.mccracken@rcplondon.ac.uk