Global strategy called for in obesity battle
5/17/2006- Strong governmental leadership and policy changes including legislative and educational measures are necessary in order to curb the rising obesity epidemic, according to a new report.
Published in last week’s issue of the medical publication Lancet, the report said prevention of obesity is only likely with “fundamental changes” to societies.
“No health system is yet meeting the challenges of managing obesity, and no society has developed an effective strategy to prevent it,” said the report.
“The challenge is clear. Strong governmental leadership is essential to drive the necessary policy changes forwards- with legislation introduced within two years of voluntary codes failing- in partnerships that cross government departments, the media, the food industry, and retail and leisure sectors,” it added.
Around 1.1 billion adults and 10 percent of children are currently considered overweight or obese, significantly increasing the global risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.
But although some progress has been made in tackling obesity through an increased health awareness, one major obstacle that still remains is providing healthier foods cheaper.
“Food labeling is unlikely to help those who need it most- those on the lowest incomes- for whom the only relevant label is the price,” said the Lancet.
Obesity management depends on the successful motivation of people to eat less, to eat healthier foods and to exercise more, it added.
In the US, a nationwide move to fight the disease in children is gathering momentum, with an increasing number of schools banning the sale of sugary sodas and some junk foods.
New Zealand is also due to remove fizzy drinks from schools, while pan-European debates organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) are taking place to develop political guidance and provide a strategy framework for strengthening action on obesity.
Two years ago, the World Health Assembly adopted its Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, providing recommendations to combat the rise in non-communicable diseases through a healthier diet and increased physical activity.
A similar initiative is now necessary in order to combat obesity, said the report.
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