Obesity charity was a front for diet firm

A popular obesity charity that had influence with important politicians and took high-value government grants was actually a con. The charity had strong financial links with a diet company and the weight-loss industry, according to an expose in the press today.
The Obesity Awareness and Solutions Trust (TOAST) was actually part of a profitable diet company, much to the chagrin of MPs involved. The charity used a lobbying company in Westminster to buy influential parliamentary patrons.
The news has provoked rapid distancing by MPs and other important professionals who did support Toast. The charity was strongly linked with Essex company LighterLife, who are a successful diet company.
The Department of Health reportedly commented: “The conflict of interest came to light in early 2003. All subsequent applications for funding were declined. Initial funding was given in good faith.”