|
U.N.
Launches Fight Against Obesity, Poor Diets
The World Health Organization, alarmed at mounting deaths
linked to high sugar and fatty diets, presented its recipe
for a world of fitter and more health-conscious eaters.
Incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain
types of cancer -- all of which can be brought on by unhealthy
diets and inactivity -- have soared to account for 60 percent
of the some 56.5 million of preventable deaths a year worldwide.
And the problem is greatest in developing countries, even
if malnutrition and infectious disease remain more important
causes of ill health in the very poorest, the United Nations
said.
In a draft plan to be put to member states at the spring
2004 session of the World Health Assembly, its governing
body, the WHO, called for governments, food firms and non-governmental
organizations to work together to change eating habits.
"A profound shift in the balance of the major causes
of death is under way in most countries," the Geneva-based
organization said.
"Of particular concern are the increasingly unhealthy
diets and reduced physical activity of children and adolescents."
It predicts the number of cases of type 2 diabetes, which
is acquired rather than inherited, will soar from 117 million
to 370 million by 2030. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention say one in three Americans born in 2000 will
develop the condition.
ANGRY RESPONSE
The proposals, which were drawn up at the request of member
states and followed extensive consultations with governments
and industry, made no mention of the WHO's recommendation
earlier this year that sugar should not account for more
than 10 percent of the energy intake in an average diet.
That report, issued with the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), sparked an angry response from the U.S.
sugar industry, which had argued for a 25 percent ceiling.
In recent months several multinational companies have announced
plans to cut down on some types of vegetable fats, linked
to obesity and heart disease, in their products.
Analysts say those moves have been at least partly motivated
by fear that they could eventually face U.S. lawsuits similar
to those that brought against tobacco companies.
Although it acknowledged the moves made by industry, the
WHO said governments should consider tougher measures to
curb the amount of salt in processed foods or sugar in drinks
or snacks.
The WHO made clear it was sticking by its sugar findings,
but said it wanted to cooperate rather than fight with industry.
Governments must monitor advertising and marketing of food,
particularly products aimed at children, to ensure that
they did not encourage unhealthy diets, it said.
Products should also be clearly labeled so consumers could
make "healthy choices."
Article Source: Reuters Health
Article Author: N/A
Net Reference 89
|
