Lauren Bowes Byatt
@laurenbowesbyatt.bsky.social
Deputy Director, A Healthy Life at Nesta. Trustee at Hestia. Former civil servant. Geordie now obessed with north London. Views my own.
I'm in @thegrocer.bsky.social talking about how the Healthy Food Standard could be a game changer for obesity
Key is: obesity levels are so high, we need big impact policy. This could deliver c20% reduction, by setting a target to encourage businesses to sell healthier food
👉 tinyurl.com/ydmcr627
Key is: obesity levels are so high, we need big impact policy. This could deliver c20% reduction, by setting a target to encourage businesses to sell healthier food
👉 tinyurl.com/ydmcr627
The healthy food standard is our best bet to tackle obesity
The government's healthy food standard would introduce mandatory data reporting and health targets across the food industry, says Lauren Bowes Byatt, deputy director at Nesta
tinyurl.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:22 AM
I'm in @thegrocer.bsky.social talking about how the Healthy Food Standard could be a game changer for obesity
Key is: obesity levels are so high, we need big impact policy. This could deliver c20% reduction, by setting a target to encourage businesses to sell healthier food
👉 tinyurl.com/ydmcr627
Key is: obesity levels are so high, we need big impact policy. This could deliver c20% reduction, by setting a target to encourage businesses to sell healthier food
👉 tinyurl.com/ydmcr627
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years. This stems from our food environment: the food that’s available, affordable and promoted to us.
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
Targeting the health of the nation: health targets for the out-of-home food sector
An exploration of how health targets could be applied to the out-of-home sector
www.nesta.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years. This stems from our food environment: the food that’s available, affordable and promoted to us.
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
Yesterday I gave evidence to the health and social care committee on healthy food (on behalf of @nestauk.bsky.social)
🔑My KEY message: we need the HIGH impact policies to tackle obesity crisis that focus on business incentives over individual responsibility
Watch it 👉https://tinyurl.com/76xb3z7w
🔑My KEY message: we need the HIGH impact policies to tackle obesity crisis that focus on business incentives over individual responsibility
Watch it 👉https://tinyurl.com/76xb3z7w
November 6, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Yesterday I gave evidence to the health and social care committee on healthy food (on behalf of @nestauk.bsky.social)
🔑My KEY message: we need the HIGH impact policies to tackle obesity crisis that focus on business incentives over individual responsibility
Watch it 👉https://tinyurl.com/76xb3z7w
🔑My KEY message: we need the HIGH impact policies to tackle obesity crisis that focus on business incentives over individual responsibility
Watch it 👉https://tinyurl.com/76xb3z7w
📆 Next month we're running a policy conference - Policy Live!
On health 🩺 - we're excited to announce that @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will be joining us. And we'll be running events on healthy diets/obesity, neighbourhood health and AI.
Sign up here 👉 bit.ly/4m0j4fx
On health 🩺 - we're excited to announce that @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will be joining us. And we'll be running events on healthy diets/obesity, neighbourhood health and AI.
Sign up here 👉 bit.ly/4m0j4fx
August 5, 2025 at 12:08 PM
📆 Next month we're running a policy conference - Policy Live!
On health 🩺 - we're excited to announce that @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will be joining us. And we'll be running events on healthy diets/obesity, neighbourhood health and AI.
Sign up here 👉 bit.ly/4m0j4fx
On health 🩺 - we're excited to announce that @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social will be joining us. And we'll be running events on healthy diets/obesity, neighbourhood health and AI.
Sign up here 👉 bit.ly/4m0j4fx
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
✍️ New article: Death rates from cardiovascular disease have fallen dramatically — what were the breakthroughs behind this? (link in 🧵 )
August 5, 2025 at 12:01 PM
✍️ New article: Death rates from cardiovascular disease have fallen dramatically — what were the breakthroughs behind this? (link in 🧵 )
Earlier this month, the govt published the 10yr health plan. A 'moonshot to end the obesity epidemic' was launched. 🚀
BUT.. what do the public actually think about this?
We did some work (pre 10 year plan announcement) with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social on this.
More below 👇 🧵1/6
BUT.. what do the public actually think about this?
We did some work (pre 10 year plan announcement) with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social on this.
More below 👇 🧵1/6
July 17, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Earlier this month, the govt published the 10yr health plan. A 'moonshot to end the obesity epidemic' was launched. 🚀
BUT.. what do the public actually think about this?
We did some work (pre 10 year plan announcement) with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social on this.
More below 👇 🧵1/6
BUT.. what do the public actually think about this?
We did some work (pre 10 year plan announcement) with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social on this.
More below 👇 🧵1/6
Join me & this lovely lot tomorrow to talk about prevention within the 10 year health plan 👇
EVENT
Will the 10 Year Health Plan shift the dial on prevention?
Join the discussion with Nesta's Hugo Harper, @katfoodjenner.bsky.social @jimdickson.bsky.social @laurenbowesbyatt.bsky.social @davidjbuck.bsky.social tomorrow lunchtime.
www.nesta.org.uk/event/10-yea...
Will the 10 Year Health Plan shift the dial on prevention?
Join the discussion with Nesta's Hugo Harper, @katfoodjenner.bsky.social @jimdickson.bsky.social @laurenbowesbyatt.bsky.social @davidjbuck.bsky.social tomorrow lunchtime.
www.nesta.org.uk/event/10-yea...
10-Year Health Plan: will it shift the dial on preventing ill health?
We’ll discuss how the 10-Year Health Plan could help put a spotlight on prevention, and what the measures within it might deliver.
www.nesta.org.uk
July 7, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Join me & this lovely lot tomorrow to talk about prevention within the 10 year health plan 👇
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Action to tackle obesity in the 10-Year Health Plan can't come soon enough.
@nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis outlines that obesity and excess weight cost the UK economy ~£31bn in lost productivity.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis outlines that obesity and excess weight cost the UK economy ~£31bn in lost productivity.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
July 2, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Action to tackle obesity in the 10-Year Health Plan can't come soon enough.
@nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis outlines that obesity and excess weight cost the UK economy ~£31bn in lost productivity.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis outlines that obesity and excess weight cost the UK economy ~£31bn in lost productivity.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
It's a busy news week at Nesta!... We've also published new findings on costs of obesity to the economy, society, & the NHS 💰
New analysis estimates that this year, obesity and excess weight will cost the UK economy around £31bn in lost productivity.
Our latest report on the true cost of obesity underlines just how important it is to turn the tide on obesity and offer our children a healthier and wealthier future.
Our latest report on the true cost of obesity underlines just how important it is to turn the tide on obesity and offer our children a healthier and wealthier future.
The economic and productivity costs of obesity and overweight in the UK
Nesta commissioned Frontier Economics to quantify the economic cost of these conditions and the potential economic gains from addressing them
www.nesta.org.uk
July 2, 2025 at 9:01 AM
It's a busy news week at Nesta!... We've also published new findings on costs of obesity to the economy, society, & the NHS 💰
Excited to see! It's not everyday you help get a policy over the line...
Government has adopted healthy food standard - based on a policy developed by Nesta. It'll see food businesses encouraged to get healthier food on our shelves and in our diets.
Read more👉https://tinyurl.com/43fnpcm5
Government has adopted healthy food standard - based on a policy developed by Nesta. It'll see food businesses encouraged to get healthier food on our shelves and in our diets.
Read more👉https://tinyurl.com/43fnpcm5
Great to see @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social announce a new healthy food standard.
Nesta first set out this policy in 2024 and we are very pleased to welcome it today.
Read more in @theobserveruk.bsky.social with @rachelsylvester.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Nesta first set out this policy in 2024 and we are very pleased to welcome it today.
Read more in @theobserveruk.bsky.social with @rachelsylvester.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Supermarkets to get healthy eating targets under governme...
Wes Streeting says retailers can help nudge people in right direction and drive ‘transformational’ change
observer.co.uk
June 29, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Excited to see! It's not everyday you help get a policy over the line...
Government has adopted healthy food standard - based on a policy developed by Nesta. It'll see food businesses encouraged to get healthier food on our shelves and in our diets.
Read more👉https://tinyurl.com/43fnpcm5
Government has adopted healthy food standard - based on a policy developed by Nesta. It'll see food businesses encouraged to get healthier food on our shelves and in our diets.
Read more👉https://tinyurl.com/43fnpcm5
We’ve worked up this piece explaining all about what preventing ill health actually means.. give it a read! 👇
Prevention can be better than cure - especially for tackling obesity.
What does prevention mean in health? Why is it often a cheaper and effective route than treatment? And how can it work beyond the NHS?
Our new explainer breaks it down: bit.ly/43rGPX1
What does prevention mean in health? Why is it often a cheaper and effective route than treatment? And how can it work beyond the NHS?
Our new explainer breaks it down: bit.ly/43rGPX1
June 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM
We’ve worked up this piece explaining all about what preventing ill health actually means.. give it a read! 👇
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
We buy 88% of our calories from supermarkets, making them critical partners when it comes to improving our diets.
Check out @nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis which shows which small changes to our weekly shop could, over time, bring down obesity rates.
Check out @nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis which shows which small changes to our weekly shop could, over time, bring down obesity rates.
Around two-thirds of all adults in the UK are living with excess weight and obesity. But small changes to our diets can make a big difference to obesity rates at a population level.
We analysed food purchasing habits to show what small changes to the food we buy might look like. bit.ly/3YxsIwk
We analysed food purchasing habits to show what small changes to the food we buy might look like. bit.ly/3YxsIwk
May 7, 2025 at 9:23 AM
We buy 88% of our calories from supermarkets, making them critical partners when it comes to improving our diets.
Check out @nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis which shows which small changes to our weekly shop could, over time, bring down obesity rates.
Check out @nestauk.bsky.social's latest analysis which shows which small changes to our weekly shop could, over time, bring down obesity rates.
I've really loved coming to work at Nesta. Partly because it made me check my ways of working and getting 'stuff' done, after time in govt. Being more creative to problem solving.
Our work fast & iterate approach is key... Read more about that below 👇
Our work fast & iterate approach is key... Read more about that below 👇
The UK govt needs to adopt a different way of working to achieve its bold new missions.
Policies need to be reviewed and improved via a test and learn approach.
BIT + @nestauk.bsky.social new playbook explains this approach and how it can deliver impactful solutions 👇 www.bi.team/publications...
Policies need to be reviewed and improved via a test and learn approach.
BIT + @nestauk.bsky.social new playbook explains this approach and how it can deliver impactful solutions 👇 www.bi.team/publications...
Test and learn: a playbook for mission-driven government | BIT
The UK government has pledged to deliver bold new missions – ambitious, long-term commitments to tackle critical societal challenges. These promises will resonate strongly with many public servants wh...
www.bi.team
April 23, 2025 at 3:55 PM
I've really loved coming to work at Nesta. Partly because it made me check my ways of working and getting 'stuff' done, after time in govt. Being more creative to problem solving.
Our work fast & iterate approach is key... Read more about that below 👇
Our work fast & iterate approach is key... Read more about that below 👇
It's the hot topic - UPFs!
We looked into whether thats a better definition of health or not... we found its much of a muchness. Our current definitions of healthy probably have it covered, while we should ofc see how the science develops on UPF too.
We looked into whether thats a better definition of health or not... we found its much of a muchness. Our current definitions of healthy probably have it covered, while we should ofc see how the science develops on UPF too.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become central to recent debates around fixing our broken food environment.
Latest Nesta analysis looks at whether regulating UPFs could help to improve UK diets ⬇️ www.nesta.org.uk/report/upf-a...
Latest Nesta analysis looks at whether regulating UPFs could help to improve UK diets ⬇️ www.nesta.org.uk/report/upf-a...
UPF and HFSS – different labels, same foods?
An analysis of where ultra-processed foods meet those high in fat, sugar and salt
www.nesta.org.uk
April 14, 2025 at 9:20 AM
It's the hot topic - UPFs!
We looked into whether thats a better definition of health or not... we found its much of a muchness. Our current definitions of healthy probably have it covered, while we should ofc see how the science develops on UPF too.
We looked into whether thats a better definition of health or not... we found its much of a muchness. Our current definitions of healthy probably have it covered, while we should ofc see how the science develops on UPF too.
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
The debate around UPF has driven welcome consumer awareness of the unhealthiness of the food that's marketed and promoted to us everyday.
A new report from @nestauk.bsky.social asks: should we regulate UPF?
TL;DR - no. Most unhealthy UPF is already captured in existing legislation.
A new report from @nestauk.bsky.social asks: should we regulate UPF?
TL;DR - no. Most unhealthy UPF is already captured in existing legislation.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become central to recent debates around fixing our broken food environment.
Latest Nesta analysis looks at whether regulating UPFs could help to improve UK diets ⬇️ www.nesta.org.uk/report/upf-a...
Latest Nesta analysis looks at whether regulating UPFs could help to improve UK diets ⬇️ www.nesta.org.uk/report/upf-a...
UPF and HFSS – different labels, same foods?
An analysis of where ultra-processed foods meet those high in fat, sugar and salt
www.nesta.org.uk
April 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
The debate around UPF has driven welcome consumer awareness of the unhealthiness of the food that's marketed and promoted to us everyday.
A new report from @nestauk.bsky.social asks: should we regulate UPF?
TL;DR - no. Most unhealthy UPF is already captured in existing legislation.
A new report from @nestauk.bsky.social asks: should we regulate UPF?
TL;DR - no. Most unhealthy UPF is already captured in existing legislation.
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Major new report out today making the case for overcoming the barriers and inefficiencies that currently delay the safe and secure use of health data in the UK to improve lives - the Sudlow review
www.hdruk.ac.uk/helping-with...
www.hdruk.ac.uk/helping-with...
The Sudlow Review
'Uniting the UK’s Health Data: A Huge Opportunity for Society' is an independent review commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer for England, the UK National Statistician and NHS England’s National D...
www.hdruk.ac.uk
November 8, 2024 at 6:42 AM
Major new report out today making the case for overcoming the barriers and inefficiencies that currently delay the safe and secure use of health data in the UK to improve lives - the Sudlow review
www.hdruk.ac.uk/helping-with...
www.hdruk.ac.uk/helping-with...
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Alcohol is a significant but overlooked part of our diets -empty calories with big health impacts. Thanks to evidence from Scotland we know MUP ⬇️ consumption. It's one policy with co-benefits for alcohol harm and obesity.
Thanks @nestauk.bsky.social for new research & blog 👇
Thanks @nestauk.bsky.social for new research & blog 👇
About 5% of calories purchased by UK adults come from alcohol. That might not sound like much, but small dietary changes can make a big difference at a population level.
Our blog explores alcohol's role in our diets – and the policies that could reduce alcohol-related harms and improve health.
Our blog explores alcohol's role in our diets – and the policies that could reduce alcohol-related harms and improve health.
What role does alcohol play in diets, and what can we do about it?
Measures like calorie labeling, stricter licensing, and advertising restrictions can reduce alcohol consumption and improve health outcomes
www.nesta.org.uk
March 28, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Alcohol is a significant but overlooked part of our diets -empty calories with big health impacts. Thanks to evidence from Scotland we know MUP ⬇️ consumption. It's one policy with co-benefits for alcohol harm and obesity.
Thanks @nestauk.bsky.social for new research & blog 👇
Thanks @nestauk.bsky.social for new research & blog 👇
I'm often asked about the 'hidden' calories we drink. We had a look👉 shorturl.at/54rJl
c5% of daily calories comes from booze. Similar to medium glass of wine. Cutting this down would improve our diets & wider health
The policies are already known - intro MUP in England, as we saw in Scot & Wales.
c5% of daily calories comes from booze. Similar to medium glass of wine. Cutting this down would improve our diets & wider health
The policies are already known - intro MUP in England, as we saw in Scot & Wales.
What role does alcohol play in diets, and what can we do about it?
Measures like calorie labeling, stricter licensing, and advertising restrictions can reduce alcohol consumption and improve health outcomes
shorturl.at
March 28, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I'm often asked about the 'hidden' calories we drink. We had a look👉 shorturl.at/54rJl
c5% of daily calories comes from booze. Similar to medium glass of wine. Cutting this down would improve our diets & wider health
The policies are already known - intro MUP in England, as we saw in Scot & Wales.
c5% of daily calories comes from booze. Similar to medium glass of wine. Cutting this down would improve our diets & wider health
The policies are already known - intro MUP in England, as we saw in Scot & Wales.
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Reducing obesity is urgent and achievable. We need to be bold and brave. I hope that all party manifestos will prioritise obesity as a critical responsibility for the First Minister, committing to halve the disparity in healthy life expectancy between Wales’ richest and poorest regions by 2030
The Welsh Senedd has voted to restrict the promotion of unhealthy food items in certain ways in Wales - a positive step towards improving health.
🏴 In our calls for the 2026-2030 Senedd, we set out opportunities to go further to take action and reduce obesity ↪️ bit.ly/3EnXaS9
🏴 In our calls for the 2026-2030 Senedd, we set out opportunities to go further to take action and reduce obesity ↪️ bit.ly/3EnXaS9
Junk food ban: The 'unhealthy' foods restricted in Welsh shops
Plans to restrict a list of foods classed as unhealthy in shops are approved by 25 votes to 24.
bbc.in
March 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Reducing obesity is urgent and achievable. We need to be bold and brave. I hope that all party manifestos will prioritise obesity as a critical responsibility for the First Minister, committing to halve the disparity in healthy life expectancy between Wales’ richest and poorest regions by 2030
What a stellar line-up for the food strategy! But I would say that given I'm thrilled to see Nesta included too... :)
👉 www.gov.uk/government/n...
👉 www.gov.uk/government/n...
Leading food experts join Government food strategy to restore pride in British food
Leading figures across the food industry have today joined the Government to advise on a national food strategy
www.gov.uk
March 21, 2025 at 1:04 PM
What a stellar line-up for the food strategy! But I would say that given I'm thrilled to see Nesta included too... :)
👉 www.gov.uk/government/n...
👉 www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Last year we published a blueprint for halving obesity in the UK - drawing upon a huge evidence base & synthesising research to make useful and accurate policy recommendations.
Nesta's Kate Tudor reflects on the challenges of balancing rigorous methodology with the need to create real-world impact.
Nesta's Kate Tudor reflects on the challenges of balancing rigorous methodology with the need to create real-world impact.
Creating Nesta’s blueprint for halving obesity - learnings from academia and policy
Adapting research methods for policy impact can translate complex data into clear, actionable solutions for policymakers
bit.ly
March 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Last year we published a blueprint for halving obesity in the UK - drawing upon a huge evidence base & synthesising research to make useful and accurate policy recommendations.
Nesta's Kate Tudor reflects on the challenges of balancing rigorous methodology with the need to create real-world impact.
Nesta's Kate Tudor reflects on the challenges of balancing rigorous methodology with the need to create real-world impact.
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Involving the food industry will be key to improving the health of the nation.
So how should companies measure and set targets for the healthiness of their products?
In a new blog, our healthy life team outlines the measures that should be adopted and why they're important: bit.ly/3FqzwFn
So how should companies measure and set targets for the healthiness of their products?
In a new blog, our healthy life team outlines the measures that should be adopted and why they're important: bit.ly/3FqzwFn
How companies should measure and set targets for the healthiness of their products
Food companies should set targets using continuous, kilogram-weighted health measures, rather than relying solely on binary thresholds
bit.ly
March 19, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Involving the food industry will be key to improving the health of the nation.
So how should companies measure and set targets for the healthiness of their products?
In a new blog, our healthy life team outlines the measures that should be adopted and why they're important: bit.ly/3FqzwFn
So how should companies measure and set targets for the healthiness of their products?
In a new blog, our healthy life team outlines the measures that should be adopted and why they're important: bit.ly/3FqzwFn
Reposted by Lauren Bowes Byatt
Overdiagnosis of mental disorders is making headlines again, this time thanks to Wes Streeting. But it is true?
(thread)
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
(thread)
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Wes Streeting: there is overdiagnosis of mental health conditions
Health secretary says too many people are being ‘written off’ and that is driving ministers’ changes to welfare
www.theguardian.com
March 17, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Overdiagnosis of mental disorders is making headlines again, this time thanks to Wes Streeting. But it is true?
(thread)
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
(thread)
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
100%! People operate within structures and systems that exist. It's rare ppl set out with the purpose to do a bad job - often the environment they operate within doesn't allow better performance.
This was what stood out for me - as well as NHSE stuff. Yes, politicians should take charge and take responsibility. But that means actually changing laws and regulations, not just attacking regulators and other arm’s length bodies
“The buck stops with politicians” - good stuff. But the tension then surfaces between cutting out arms length bodies and reviews, and Labour’s plans for more of them
March 13, 2025 at 11:29 AM
100%! People operate within structures and systems that exist. It's rare ppl set out with the purpose to do a bad job - often the environment they operate within doesn't allow better performance.