Childhood obesity: the case for binding international legislation

Abstract

The growth in childhood obesity is a global public health crisis, meriting a specially-convened Expert Consultation at the WHO in June 2005. The prevalence of overweight and obese children throughout Europe has risen from 20% on current estimates, with some countries reporting prevalence rates >30%. Higher body mass is not only well known as a factor in many diseases of adulthood but can also lead to debilitating diseases and problems in childhood and adolescence. The majority of humans appear genetically predisposed to gaining weight in an environment offering plentiful food and little need for physical activity. There is growing recognition of the contribution of this environment to the growth of childhood obesity, with attention focussing on the role of energy dense fast foods and soft drinks and the ways in which their consumption is being promoted. European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 15, No. 6, 559-563 The WHOﾒs recent Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health has made a compelling case for concerted action to address the threat of foods high in fats, sugars, and salt, and several European governments, as well as the European Commission, are now asking whether there is a need for some statutory restraint on the activities of the food industry.