U.N. launches fight against obesity, poor diets

Last Updated: 2003-12-04 14:59:11 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Richard Waddington

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organisation, alarmed at mounting deaths linked to high sugar and fatty diets, presented its recipe on Thursday 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 organisations 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 organisation 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 Organisation (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 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 and 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 do not encourage unhealthy diets, it said.

Products should also be clearly labelled so consumers could make "healthy choices."


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