Eat less, exercise more'

People need to be more honest about how much they eat and drink if obesity levels are to be reduced, ministers say. The government's obesity strategy said on average adults are exceeding their calorie intake by 10%. Ministers said it was up to individuals to make sure they consume less and exercise more. They ruled out using legislation such as introducing a fat tax to change behaviour. Instead, they said they would encourage industry and the public sector to play their part so that obesity and overweight rates start falling by 2020. More than 60% of adults and 23% of four to five years olds are overweight or obese in England, making it one of the most overweight nations in Europe. Reverse the tide Health secretary Andrew Lansley said councils could help by developing more schemes such as cycle lanes and green spaces. He also said he would be looking to build on the responsibility deal partnership which was announced earlier this year and included a series of pledges by the private sector to introduce things such as calories information on menus. Mr Lansley said: "We have to halt and then reverse the tide of obesity in this country. "Government has a role to play but it is clear that we cannot do this alone." When asked about why the government was not more keen on legislation, as campaigners had called for, he said by working in partnership more could be achieved faster.