Health Secretary John Reid has announced he is to hold a major public consultation over the next few months on improving the nation's health, obesity is one of the issues he intends to tackle.

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat shadow health secretary said:"This is a classic case of the government being all talk and no action.

"The government has dithered for years on public health. There have been reports by the sack load diagnosing the problem and recommending treatment. This is another substitute for action.

"Labour has been far too complacent about the growing crisis in public health. While alcohol related diseases and sex infections have rocketed, Labour delayed their sexual health strategy for years, and have still not published their alcohol harm reduction strategy.

"It’s worrying that Ministers have only just woken up to the scale of these challenges, and seem ill-equipped to do anything about them. The task for government is not to lecture people, but it is vital that people are given the information, choices and opportunities to develop healthy habits of diet and exercise.

"The government must tackle the root causes of disease, not just treat the symptoms."

Forum Response: Health Development Agency

Dame Yve Buckland, chair, Health Development Agency said: "This renewed interest in how the public can improve their own health and well being is an important step forward and we very much welcome the public consultation.

"Preventing ill health is the best way of ensuring that the NHS provides the best outcomes for the money invested in it.  Treating smoking related illnesses costs the NHS £1.7bn each year, and obesity costs the country as a whole £2.6bn each year.