US Government Challenging Global Obesity Plan

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 16 Jan 2004 - 0:00 PDT


The World Health Organization is planning a strategy (global) to deal with the growing obesity problem. The USA is starting to challenge this strategy.

Scientists are accusing President Bush's administration of planning to water down new junk food regulations (big business lobby?).

The US Government says that they see no proof that only fast foods are to blame for the growing obesity problem (epidemic).

Obesity is a growing problem in the world. 66% of Americans are overweight or obese, and other countries are catching up fast. In the UK, obesity could soon reach American levels.

The WHO would like to see lower recommended daily levels of sugar, salt and fat.

According to the BBC (who say they have received a leaked document), the US government is starting to question the science behind the plan. They wonder whether it is possible to differentiate between good and bad foods if it has not yet been established what acceptable levels should be.
Many scientists have said (privately) that they fear the strategy to reduce obesity is being sabotaged.

According to the WHO, weight-related deaths (worldwide) will most probably double over the next twenty years.

The Food Standards Agency (UK) says that the growing obesity problem in the UK is mainly due to two factors - bad eating habits and lack of exercise.

Comment by the Author - Christian Nordqvist (Lives in the UK).

Every time I go to the USA I am rather taken aback by three things. 1. The number of very obese people one sees walking around. 2. The size of portions in restaurants and fast food places - they are too big. 3. In many placed you cannot walk (you have to take your car).

I was at San Diego Zoo last year. On many of the paths (the ones on a slope) there were conveyor belts (the ground moves uphill for you). Initially, I was pleasantly surprised until my son said 'I think they have these conveyor belts because many people here would not be able to manage the hills.'

• Additional
• References
• Citations