A number of the largest food companies have made a pledge to reduce calories in their products, in an attempt to support the fight against obesity. Andrew Lansley announced that some of the most well known food outlets and manufacturers have signed the “calorie reduction pledge”. The pledge forms part of the responsibility deal launched by the government, tackling areas which include food, alcohol and physical activity.

More than a third of UK children who are aged 10 or 11 years old are either overweight or obese. A number of companies and organisations have joined together to tackle obesity, including childhood obesity. Among the companies which are to reduce the calorie content in a range of food products are Coca-Cola, Tesco and Subway, with 17 companies taking part overall including supermarkets. According to the Health Secretary, the nation’s daily diets will contain five billion calories less as a result of the agreement.

Asda has pledged to create a new range which will contain 30 percent less calories than the brand “Chosen By You.” Some of the soft drinks produced by Coca-Cola will contain 30 percent fewer calories by the year 2014. Before the end of 2013, Mars chocolate will contain no more than 250 calories in each portion.

Over three quarters of the market for retail will take part in the pledge, including Morrison’s, Hovis, Mr Kipling and Sharwood’s. As lower calorie foods are introduced, eating a low fat, low calorie diet will become easier for families struggling to deal with adult and child obesity.