As a nutritional therapist and health coach, I am acutely aware that food can act as either a subtle toxin or a potent healer. Unfortunately, current dietary guidelines in the UK are failing to promote health. They are instead contributing to the decline of our nation's metabolic health. With the right dietary guidance, it is possible to mitigate symptoms, or even halt various chronic diseases. If we continue down the current path, we are effectively poisoning the health of our nation rather than promoting it.

The UK's Eatwell plate and associated dietary guidelines need urgent reform to address the state of poor metabolic health across the country. Presently, they do not offer safe or effective advice for individuals grappling with metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Research highlighting the dangers of ultra-processed foods, food addiction, and the benefits of carbohydrate restriction for people with poor metabolic health must be integral to these guidelines. Any influences from the food industry that prioritize profits over public health must be eliminated.

Alarmingly, around 62% of adults in Wales, 64% adults in England, and 66% of adults in Scotland are classified as overweight or obese. The prevalence of diabetes in the UK has risen to affect nearly 6 million people, with Type 2 diabetes forming a considerable portion of this statistic. These are not mere figures but represent a considerable strain on both individual lives,and the public healthcare system. Over 2.5 million people are now unable to work due to long-term sickness, causing an estimated £85 billion in annual lost output. These conditions also account for 70% of UK health and social care spending. Poor nutrition is the main driver of chronic disease triggering the underlying processes including insulin resistance and inflamation, directly contributing to the epidemic of chronic illness that is all around us.

A drastic overhaul of the dietary guidelines is not just necessary, it is imperative. Following the recent publication of the new updated US dietary guidelines that aim to tackle poor metabolic health, it is time for us to follow suit. We need to prioritise real unprocessed foods which are nutrient dense while minimising "empty calories" from ultraprocessed foods . Furthermore, integrating carbohydrate restriction as a long-term sustainable option for individuals struggling with poor metabolic health is critical.

The UK government must base its dietary guidelines on robust scientific evidence, not commercial interests. Let's shift the narrative from managing diseases to promoting optimal health, and from food industry profits to public well-being.

Join me in demanding that the UK government reform the Eatwell plate and associated dietary guidelines to ensure that they serve the health of the nation, not the interests of industries. Sign this petition and stand with me in advocating for a metabolically health society.