Response to body image report highlights delays in regulating cosmetic procedures.

The Government has declined to meet the recommended timeframe for implementing a licensing regime to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures, as outlined in a report by the Committee on the Impact of Body Image on Mental and Physical Health. Despite concerns raised about the dangers these procedures pose to vulnerable individuals, particularly among younger groups, the Government stated that the scale of the necessary work prevented them from introducing regulations sooner.

The Committee’s report called for a faster rollout of the licensing regime after hearing evidence of significant risks associated with procedures such as Botox injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and non-surgical laser treatments. However, the Government expressed that it would not be able to meet the Committee’s proposed timeline, citing the complexity of the work involved.

In addition, Ministers rejected several other key recommendations, including the proposal to classify dermal fillers as prescription-only substances, similar to Botox. There were also calls for improved standards for premises offering non-surgical cosmetic services, with some reports highlighting the unsanitary conditions of certain facilities. The Government did not agree to these proposals, which had been urged to ensure better protection for consumers.

The delayed Government Response, published by the Department of Health and Social Care, also rejected other recommendations aimed at improving public health, particularly concerning obesity and eating disorders. Calls for a dedicated strategy to address eating disorders and annual health assessments for children were dismissed, with the Government instead referring to existing measures in place.

Moreover, the Government declined to introduce restrictions on multibuy deals for unhealthy foods and drinks, such as those offering buy-one-get-one-free promotions. Despite the MPs’ concerns about these deals encouraging the consumption of high-fat, high-salt, or high-sugar items, the Government did not commit to additional restrictions, citing other measures already implemented to address public health.

This response reflects ongoing challenges in balancing public health objectives with the complexity of regulatory frameworks in place, as well as the Government’s stance on managing cosmetic procedures and obesity-related concerns.