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** 12 May 2025
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** UK
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** Health campaigners urge government to tackle smoking, obesity, and alcohol-related harm (#1)
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** Residents demand stricter smoking regulations following repeated balcony fires at London high-rise (#2)
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** Isle of Man achieves 69% smoking cessation success rate over past year (#3)
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** Vape sales enforcement scheme expands to Ashford amid underage concerns (#4)
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** NHS England to streamline performance targets amid operational overhaul (#5)
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** Weight-loss injections may reduce alcohol consumption in obese individuals (#6)
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** Nicotine pouches gain momentum in UK retail market (#7)
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** Brief exposure to junk food advertising increases children's calorie intake, study finds (#8)
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** Links of the Week
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** Rise in nicotine pouch use among U.S. teens prompts health concerns (#9)
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** UK
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** Health campaigners urge government to tackle smoking, obesity, and alcohol-related harm

A coalition of public health organisations including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the Obesity Health Alliance, and the Alcohol Health Alliance, is calling on the UK government to implement stronger measures addressing smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption—three leading causes of preventable illness and death.

A survey by Public First on behalf of the coalition reveals significant public support for government intervention in these areas: 81% of respondents believe companies prioritise profit over public health, 74% want the government to prioritise public health over business growth, and 75% support 'polluter pays' levies on tobacco and unhealthy food companies.

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, emphasises the need for decisive government action to alleviate pressure on the NHS and improve population health. The campaigners argue that without systemic interventions, the burden of non-communicable diseases will continue to strain healthcare resources and widen health inequalities.

Source: Lancashire Telegraph, 10 May 2025

See also: ASH - Press release: Demand for action on UK’s ‘top three killers’ ahead of Government's 10-Year Health Plan ([link removed]) | Blog: Profit Over People: The Public Doesn't Trust Big Business with their Health and Want Tough Action on the Three Big Killers ([link removed])
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** Residents demand stricter smoking regulations following repeated balcony fires at London high-rise

Residents of New Providence Wharf in Poplar, east London, are urging for more stringent rules on balcony smoking after a third fire incident in four years. The latest blaze, occurring on 6 May, damaged a 13th-floor balcony and resulted in minor injuries to three individuals. Investigations suggest that improperly discarded cigarettes were the cause, mirroring previous incidents in 2021 and 2024. Despite recent safety enhancements, residents express concern over the recurring nature of these fires and advocate for comprehensive smoking restrictions on balconies to prevent future occurrences.

Source: Inside Housing, 9 May 2025

See also: ASH and Housing LIN. Smoking and social housing: Supporting residents, addressing inequalities ([link removed]) . May 2022
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** Isle of Man achieves 69% smoking cessation success rate over past year

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Isle of Man's Stop Smoking Service reported a 69% success rate, with 215 out of 314 clients successfully quitting smoking. This figure surpasses the UK's last recorded success rate of 54%. On average, 18 individuals per month became smoke-free during this period.

The service offers personalised support plans and regular consultations across the island, including specialised clinics for pregnant women in collaboration with Manx Care's antenatal team.

Public Health officials attribute the high success rate to the comprehensive support provided, noting that individuals using stop smoking services are three times more likely to succeed in quitting.

Source: Isle of Man Today, 9 May 2025
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** Vape sales enforcement scheme expands to Ashford amid underage concerns

A Kent-based initiative designed to curb illegal vape sales and prevent access by underage individuals is being rolled out to Ashford, following a successful trial in Tunbridge Wells. The Local Vape Action (LVA) pilot, a collaboration involving Kent County Council, Kent Police, and the Independent British Vape Trade Association, aims to boost compliance among retailers and tighten enforcement. Authorities emphasised the need for continued engagement to ensure age-restricted products are sold responsibly. The Ashford extension will be closely evaluated, with insights expected to shape a national rollout later in 2025.

Source: BBC News, 11 May 2025
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** NHS England to streamline performance targets amid operational overhaul

NHS England is undertaking a significant revision of its performance management framework, aiming to reduce the current 77 indicators to a more focused set of core priorities. This move is part of a broader effort to alleviate administrative burdens and enhance the effectiveness of performance oversight within the health service.

This overhaul is set against the backdrop of a wider restructuring within the NHS, including directives for Integrated Care Boards to implement substantial cost reductions and staffing adjustments.

Source: Health Service Journal, 12 May 2025
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** Weight-loss injections may reduce alcohol consumption in obese individuals

A recent study indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide and semaglutide—commonly prescribed for weight loss—may decrease alcohol intake among obese individuals. The research, involving 262 participants, found that average weekly alcohol consumption dropped from 11.3 to 4.3 units over a four-month period. Notably, regular drinkers experienced a 68% reduction, decreasing from 23.2 to 7.8 units weekly.

Experts suggest these medications may suppress alcohol cravings by affecting brain regions responsible for reward and impulse control, leading to an "effortless" reduction in desire to drink. Researchers emphasise the need for larger-scale studies to confirm the results and fully understand the mechanisms involved.

Source: LBC, 11 May 2025

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** Nicotine pouches gain momentum in UK retail market

Nicotine pouches are rapidly emerging as a significant category in the UK's “tobacco alternatives” market. Retailers have reported substantial growth, with some experiencing over 700% increases in sales within a single quarter. The UK market was valued at approximately £185 million in 2024, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming years.

Major tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International, have entered the market with brands like Velo and ZYN.

Despite their popularity, nicotine pouches currently exist in a regulatory grey area in the UK, lacking specific age restrictions and marketing regulations. This has raised concerns about potential youth uptake. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to introduce stricter regulations for novel nicotine products, including pouches.

Source: Asian Trader, 10 May 2025

Editorial note: This report has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** Brief exposure to junk food advertising increases children's calorie intake, study finds

A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Málaga indicates that children consume significantly more calories after just five minutes of exposure to junk food advertising. Involving 240 children aged 7 to 15 from Merseyside, the research found that those exposed to adverts for high-fat, sugar, and salt foods consumed an average of 130 extra calories per day compared to when they viewed non-food adverts.

The increased intake was observed both in immediate snacking and subsequent meals, regardless of the advertising medium—be it television, social media, podcasts, or billboards—and whether the adverts featured specific products or were brand-only promotions.

Experts, including Professor Emma Boyland from the University of Liverpool, highlight that these findings reveal potential loopholes in the UK's forthcoming restrictions on junk food advertising, set to commence in October. While the new rules will limit unhealthy food adverts on TV before 9pm and online at any time, they may not fully address brand-only advertising across various platforms.

Health advocates urge policymakers to consider these insights and implement more comprehensive measures to protect children from all forms of unhealthy food marketing.

Source: The Guardian, 11 May 2025

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** International
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** Rise in nicotine pouch use among U.S. teens prompts health concerns

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a significant increase in the use of nicotine pouches among U.S. high school students. Data from a nationally representative survey of 10,146 youths in 2023 and 2024 indicates that 5.4% of 10th- and 12th-graders reported having used nicotine pouches, up from 3% the previous year. The study also found that usage was higher among male students, White non-Hispanic teens, and those living in rural areas. Additionally, there was an observed increase in the combined use of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, suggesting a shift in usage patterns. The authors of the study emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance, regulation, and prevention strategies to address the rising use of nicotine pouches among adolescents.

Source: The Washington Post, 12 May 2025

See also: Han D-H, et al. Nicotine Pouch and E-Cigarette Use and Co-Use Among US Youths in 2023 and 2024 ([link removed]) . JAMA Network. 2025.
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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