Health experts have teamed up to develop a strategy to tackle the main risk factors causing deaths and ill health in Scotland, accusing the Scottish Government of losing its way when it comes to health protection.

The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance in Scotland, a coalition of 24 health organisations, has set out a 10-year vision to fundamentally change Scotland’s poor health.

Alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods and drinks are known to cause non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and lung diseases.

They are estimated to be responsible for four in five deaths in Scotland and last year they were estimated to cause more than 52,000 deaths.

In a report published on Monday, Creating a Healthier Scotland, NCD Alliance Scotland calls for action to reduce the impact of harmful products on health.

It warns that Scotland is in the grip of an alcohol emergency, a new generation is threatened by addictive nicotine products and a culture of unhealthy food and drink is fueled by tactics of abusive marketing.

The report outlines key principles to protect public health, such as restricting the marketing of products harmful to health, exploring levies and taxes and reducing their availability.

David McColgan, Chairman of NCD Alliance Scotland, said: “As the Scottish Parliament celebrates 25 years of devolution, we have many powerful moments to highlight the areas where Scotland has led the way, including banning smoking in public places in 2006 and the minimum unit price. of alcohol in 2012.

“However, it is clear that the Scottish Government has lost its way and its courage in taking principled stands to protect the health of the Scottish people.

“The Government’s inaction is only prolonging the suffering of those who need support most in Scotland.

“And the disparity in health outcomes is only growing, with tactics such as price promotion, marketing and availability stifling individuals’ choices.

“This work is a call to government and parliamentarians to examine the actions of unhealthy industries, which profit from the poor health of Scots.

“This is a call to regulate their activities and reduce their influence and the availability of products harmful to health such as alcohol, tobacco and foods and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar in our communities.

“Government action does not reduce the choice available to consumers, it protects that choice and helps make the healthy choice an easy choice for everyone in Scotland.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “We welcome this report and continue to work closely with the NCD Alliance Scotland.

“Increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing health inequalities across Scotland remains a clear ambition for this Government.

“This work supports the development of the population health framework, which will look at what more can be done to tackle the social and economic causes of poor health and to build a Scotland – with places and communities – that positively support health and well-being.