Speaking to the BBC Mr Stevens said obesity was the most crucial public health problem facing the UK and called for the reduction of sugar in foods: "If that doesn't happen then, in effect, what we're doing is a slow-burner food poisoning through all of this sugar that goes on to cause cancer, diabetes, heart disease." Mr Stevens highlighted the role obesity plays in disease, saying one in five cancer deaths is now caused by obesity and labelling it 'the new smoking'. Support Sustain's Children's Health Fund campaign.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.