Obesity in children is a cause of concern. Fast food, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep are among some of the major factors for childhood obesity.&nbsp;

But did you know that bedtime is also linked to obesity?

A recent study claims that the later your child sleeps, the more he or she is at the risk of obesity.&nbsp;

The later you sleep, chances are that you will likely to be exposed to obesity and it is true for children as well, research has the data to back&nbsp; 
this claim.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-to-stop-advertising-ice-cream-to-children-in-bid-to-tackle-obesity-280458">Unilever to stop advertising ice cream for children in bid to tackle obesity</a>

A professor from Sweden's Karolinska Institute conducted a study and sampled 107 children.&nbsp;

Dr Claude Marcus measured their sleep for seven consecutive days, once a year to find that children who went to sleep late, had a&nbsp; 
wider waist and a higher BMI.&nbsp;

Sleeping late puts kids at a greater risk of being overweight. This applies to all children below 6.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teenagers-not-getting-enough-exercise-at-risk-of-obesity-and-cardiovascular-diseases-world-health-organisation-263794">Teenagers not getting enough exercise, at risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases - WHO</a>

What defines late?

The researcher says it is anything beyond 9 pm.

This is not the first time sleep is being linked to weight. Previous studies have linked shorter sleep duration with increased obesity in childhood.&nbsp;

How can parents prevent this? Should they force their children to sleep early? Experts say no.&nbsp;

Parents should instead focus on maintaining a routine which includes scheduling meals and bedtimes. The focus should be on a proper sleep cycle and going to bed before 9 pm.

Obesity in children is a cause of concern. Fast food, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep are among some of the major factors for childhood obesity.

Obesity in children is a cause of concern. Fast food, lack of physical activities, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep are among some of the major factors for childhood obesity. But did you know that bedtime is also linked to obesity? A recent study claims that the later your child sleeps, the more he or she is at the risk of obesity. The later you sleep, chances are that you will likely to be exposed to obesity and it is true for children as well, research has the data to back this claim. Also read: Unilever to stop advertising ice cream for children in bid to tackle obesity A professor from Sweden's Karolinska Institute conducted a study and sampled 107 children. Dr Claude Marcus measured their sleep for seven consecutive days, once a year to find that children who went to sleep late, had a wider waist and a higher BMI. Sleeping late puts kids at a greater risk of being overweight. This applies to all children below 6. Also read: Teenagers not getting enough exercise, at risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases - WHO What defines late? The researcher says it is anything beyond 9 pm. This is not the first time sleep is being linked to weight. Previous studies have linked shorter sleep duration with increased obesity in childhood. How can parents prevent this? Should they force their children to sleep early? Experts say no. Parents should instead focus on maintaining a routine which includes scheduling meals and bedtimes. The focus should be on a proper sleep cycle and going to bed before 9 pm.

Obesity in children: New study links child's bedtime with weight gain

Food giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-shares-slide-after-warning-of-sales-miss-268718">Unilever </a>is going to stop marketing its products for&nbsp;children to keep a check on rising obesity rates, the company said.

The company plans on doing it by directing its advertisements towards parents instead of children.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-shares-slide-after-warning-of-sales-miss-268718">Unilever shares slide after warning of sales miss</a>

"Our promise is a genuine commitment to make and market products to children responsibly," said Matt Close, executive vice president of the firm's global ice cream business.

It will no longer advertise its products by using&nbsp;influencers, celebrities or social media stars who appeal to children under 12 years of age through any media platforms.

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We’re changing the way we go about marketing and advertising our ice cream, food and drinks to children. Find out more here: <a href="https://t.co/GvdSZvGYeK">https://t.co/GvdSZvGYeK</a> <a href="https://t.co/xixkm9h9N3">pic.twitter.com/xixkm9h9N3</a>
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The company which owns several ice cream brands such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-shares-slide-after-warning-of-sales-miss-268718">Ben and Jerry</a>'s, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-shares-slide-after-warning-of-sales-miss-268718">Kwality Walls</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-shares-slide-after-warning-of-sales-miss-268718">Twister</a> ice cream said it will limit the use of cartoon characters in its advertising as well.

Ads for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unilever-shares-slide-after-warning-of-sales-miss-268718">Unilever </a>ice creams have been pulled in the past over complaints they marketed unhealthy food to children.&nbsp;By the end of 2020 every ice cream in their kids' range will have no more than 110 calories and a maximum of 12g of sugar per portion.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">World Health Organisation </a>has named childhood obesity as one of the most serious public health issues of the 21st century.

Food giant Unilever is going to stop marketing its products for children to keep a check on rising obesity rates, the company said. The company plans on doing it by directing its advertisements towards parents instead of children.

Food giant Unilever is going to stop marketing its products for children to keep a check on rising obesity rates, the company said. The company plans on doing it by directing its advertisements towards parents instead of children. Also read: Unilever shares slide after warning of sales miss "Our promise is a genuine commitment to make and market products to children responsibly," said Matt Close, executive vice president of the firm's global ice cream business. It will no longer advertise its products by using influencers, celebrities or social media stars who appeal to children under 12 years of age through any media platforms. We’re changing the way we go about marketing and advertising our ice cream, food and drinks to children. Find out more here: https://t.co/GvdSZvGYeK pic.twitter.com/xixkm9h9N3 — Unilever (@Unilever) February 12, 2020 × The company which owns several ice cream brands such as Ben and Jerry's, Kwality Walls and Twister ice cream said it will limit the use of cartoon characters in its advertising as well. Ads for Unilever ice creams have been pulled in the past over complaints they marketed unhealthy food to children. By the end of 2020 every ice cream in their kids' range will have no more than 110 calories and a maximum of 12g of sugar per portion. The World Health Organisation has named childhood obesity as one of the most serious public health issues of the 21st century.

Unilever to stop advertising ice cream for children in bid to tackle obesity

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements Act, 1954) wherein advertising medicines and "magic remedies" for as many as 78 conditions covered in the act will be a punishable offence.&nbsp;

According to reports, advertisements for magic remedies and drugs that promote fair skin, enhanced sexual performance, infertility in women, premature ageing, among others will land a jail term of up to five years and a monetary fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.&nbsp;

The draft amendment has also proposed some additions to the list of existing diseases, disorders, conditions in the Act.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-compensation-apology-can-undo-that-humiliation-auckland-woman-tells-wion-after-not-letting-on-plane-owing-to-her-weight-277838">No apology can undo that humiliation - Auckland woman tells WION after denied entry on plane owing to her weight</a>

The current list of conditions includes sexual impotence, premature greying of hair, stammering, sterility in women, disorders of menstrual flow along with issues concerning sexual performance, height improvement, obesity, et cetera.

Under the Act, the first conviction will lead to imprisonment of up to six months or fine or both with subsequent offences escalating the jail term to maximum five years and the monetary fine to as much as Rs 50 lakh.&nbsp;

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements Act, 1954) wherein advertising medicines and "magic remedies" for as many as 78 conditions covered in the act will be a punishable offence.

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements Act, 1954) wherein advertising medicines and "magic remedies" for as many as 78 conditions covered in the act will be a punishable offence. According to reports, advertisements for magic remedies and drugs that promote fair skin, enhanced sexual performance, infertility in women, premature ageing, among others will land a jail term of up to five years and a monetary fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. The draft amendment has also proposed some additions to the list of existing diseases, disorders, conditions in the Act. Also read: No apology can undo that humiliation - Auckland woman tells WION after denied entry on plane owing to her weight The current list of conditions includes sexual impotence, premature greying of hair, stammering, sterility in women, disorders of menstrual flow along with issues concerning sexual performance, height improvement, obesity, et cetera. Under the Act, the first conviction will lead to imprisonment of up to six months or fine or both with subsequent offences escalating the jail term to maximum five years and the monetary fine to as much as Rs 50 lakh.

5-year jail term, Rs 50 lakh fine for advertising fairness products and magic remedies for obesity: Govt

A study done by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-first-in-the-number-of-road-accident-deaths-who-263453">World Health Organisation</a> found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

The study uses data which was collected from 1.6 million teenagers aged between 11-17 and from 146 countries over the period of 2001-2016.

The results show that 80 per cent of the participants did not meet the global recommendation of getting at least one hour of exercise every day. According to WHO, one hour is the minimum amount of activity teenagers need daily to enjoy health benefits, including improved heart, lung and muscle fitness, bone health, and positive effects on weight, benefits which can&nbsp;continue&nbsp;into adulthood.

"Four in five adolescents are not active enough, they do not meet this WHO recommendation, that is 81 per cent&nbsp;globally. So they don't get these health benefits from physical activity", said Dr Regina Guthold from the WHO.

A daily exercise regime can also improve mental health, boosting social and cognitive development, according to WHO guidelines.

The data shows that the percentage of teenagers not meeting the recommended level ranges from 66 per cent in Bangladesh to 94 per cent in South Korea.

There are gaps within the research, especially in terms of gender, with 78 per cent of the boys versus 85 per cent of the girls not meeting the recommendations. This gender gap is encountered in each of the 146 countries involved in this study except four, Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia, and has been widening over the years.

Out of all the countries, the gender gap is highest in the United States and Ireland.

The inactivity rate in the United States among girls remained stable at 81 per cent in 2016 compared with 2001, against 64 per cent for boys in 2016, vs 71 per cent fifteen years ago.

The experts who led the study said that behavioural patterns of physical exercise haven't changed over the years. Even with proactive programmes in the loop, sedentary lifestyle has spiked, partly owing to dependence and convenience associated with digital technology. This means young people spend more time on phones, tablets and other screens instead of outdoor activities and exercising.

As levels of activity stagnate, rates of weight gain and obesity continue to grow.

As long as they accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity per day, it counts. Each day, throughout the week. It could be active play, it could be walking or biking to school, it could be physical education class, it could really be anything, but they have to do 60 minutes, that is the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;recommendation", Dr Guthold added.

The WHO is urging policymakers globally to act now, and introduce policies and legislation aimed at increasing physical activity. This can be achieved by including physical education and sports in schools, active play and recreation opportunities, and ensuring environments are safe for walking and cycling.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A study done by the World Health Organisation found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

A study done by the World Health Organisation found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The study uses data which was collected from 1.6 million teenagers aged between 11-17 and from 146 countries over the period of 2001-2016. The results show that 80 per cent of the participants did not meet the global recommendation of getting at least one hour of exercise every day. According to WHO, one hour is the minimum amount of activity teenagers need daily to enjoy health benefits, including improved heart, lung and muscle fitness, bone health, and positive effects on weight, benefits which can continue into adulthood. "Four in five adolescents are not active enough, they do not meet this WHO recommendation, that is 81 per cent globally. So they don't get these health benefits from physical activity", said Dr Regina Guthold from the WHO. A daily exercise regime can also improve mental health, boosting social and cognitive development, according to WHO guidelines. The data shows that the percentage of teenagers not meeting the recommended level ranges from 66 per cent in Bangladesh to 94 per cent in South Korea. There are gaps within the research, especially in terms of gender, with 78 per cent of the boys versus 85 per cent of the girls not meeting the recommendations. This gender gap is encountered in each of the 146 countries involved in this study except four, Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia, and has been widening over the years. Out of all the countries, the gender gap is highest in the United States and Ireland. The inactivity rate in the United States among girls remained stable at 81 per cent in 2016 compared with 2001, against 64 per cent for boys in 2016, vs 71 per cent fifteen years ago. The experts who led the study said that behavioural patterns of physical exercise haven't changed over the years. Even with proactive programmes in the loop, sedentary lifestyle has spiked, partly owing to dependence and convenience associated with digital technology. This means young people spend more time on phones, tablets and other screens instead of outdoor activities and exercising. As levels of activity stagnate, rates of weight gain and obesity continue to grow. As long as they accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity per day, it counts. Each day, throughout the week. It could be active play, it could be walking or biking to school, it could be physical education class, it could really be anything, but they have to do 60 minutes, that is the WHO recommendation", Dr Guthold added. The WHO is urging policymakers globally to act now, and introduce policies and legislation aimed at increasing physical activity. This can be achieved by including physical education and sports in schools, active play and recreation opportunities, and ensuring environments are safe for walking and cycling. (With inputs from Reuters)

Teenagers not getting enough exercise, at risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases: World Health Organisation

A study done by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-first-in-the-number-of-road-accident-deaths-who-263453">World Health Organisation</a> found that teenagers worldwide are not exercising enough, jeopardising their health and increasing risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

The study uses data which was collected from 1.6 million teenagers aged between 11-17 and from 146 countries over the period of 2001-2016.

The results show that 80 per cent of the participants did not meet the global recommendation of getting at least one hour of exercise every day. According to WHO, one hour is the minimum amount of activity teenagers need daily to enjoy health benefits, including improved heart, lung and muscle fitness, bone health, and positive effects on weight, benefits which can&nbsp;continue&nbsp;into adulthood.

"Four in five adolescents are not active enough, they do not meet this WHO recommendation, that is 81 per cent&nbsp;globally. So they don't get these health benefits from physical activity", said Dr Regina Guthold from the WHO.

A daily exercise regime can also improve mental health, boosting social and cognitive development, according to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-says-investigators-conclude-ebola-victim-did-not-enter-rwanda-237160">WHO guidelines</a>.

The data shows that the percentage of teenagers not meeting the recommended level ranges from 66 per cent in Bangladesh to 94 per cent in South Korea.

There are gaps within the research, especially in terms of gender, with 78 per cent of the boys versus 85 per cent of the girls not meeting the recommendations. This gender gap is encountered in each of the 146 countries involved in this study except four, Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia, and has been widening over the years.

Out of all the countries, the gender gap is highest in the United States and Ireland.

The inactivity rate in the United States among girls remained stable at 81 per cent in 2016 compared with 2001, against 64 per cent for boys in 2016, vs 71 per cent fifteen years ago.

The experts who led the study said that behavioural patterns of physical exercise haven't changed over the years. Even with proactive programmes in the loop, sedentary lifestyle has spiked, partly owing to dependence and convenience associated with digital technology. This means young people spend more time on phones, tablets and other screens instead of outdoor activities and exercising.

As levels of activity stagnate, rates of weight gain and obesity continue to grow.

As long as they accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity per day, it counts. Each day, throughout the week. It could be active play, it could be walking or biking to school, it could be physical education class, it could really be anything, but they have to do 60 minutes, that is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-to-receive-second-ebola-vaccine-in-mid-october-world-health-organisation-251425">the&nbsp;WHO</a>&nbsp;recommendation", Dr Guthold added.

The WHO is urging policymakers globally to act now, and introduce policies and legislation aimed at increasing physical activity. This can be achieved by including physical education and sports in schools, active play and recreation opportunities, and ensuring environments are safe for walking and cycling.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A new UNICEF report says that a third of the world's population of children under five years of age are undernourished or overweight, and the picture does not look too good for India.

Nearly 50 per cent of children under five years of age in India are not growing well.

This means that they are either undernourished or overweight and will face lifelong health problems as a consequence of it.

These problems — which once existed at opposite ends of the wealth spectrum — have today converged in poor and middle-income countries, especially South Asia.

Over the last three decades, another form of child malnutrition that has surged across the developing world is excess weight.

The problem was virtually non-existent in countries such as India 30 years ago

But today at least 10 per cent of children under five are overweight or obese.

'Hidden hunger' is another factor that contributes to the poor health of students around the world.

Every one out of two children in the world continues to suffer from the phenomenon of hidden hunger.

The domination of fast food and the missing vitamins and minerals have now led to compromised immune systems, poor sight and hearing defects.

The triple burden of malnutrition — undernutrition, hidden hunger and overweight — threatens the survival and development of children all over the world.

As eating habits continue to deteriorate with children being on the front line of the problem, making sure every child has access to a healthy diet must become a "political priority" if widespread malnutrition is to be conquered.

A new UNICEF report says that a third of the world's population of children under five years of age are undernourished or overweight, and the picture does not look too good for India.

A new UNICEF report says that a third of the world's population of children under five years of age are undernourished or overweight, and the picture does not look too good for India. Nearly 50 per cent of children under five years of age in India are not growing well. This means that they are either undernourished or overweight and will face lifelong health problems as a consequence of it. These problems — which once existed at opposite ends of the wealth spectrum — have today converged in poor and middle-income countries, especially South Asia. Over the last three decades, another form of child malnutrition that has surged across the developing world is excess weight. The problem was virtually non-existent in countries such as India 30 years ago But today at least 10 per cent of children under five are overweight or obese. 'Hidden hunger' is another factor that contributes to the poor health of students around the world. Every one out of two children in the world continues to suffer from the phenomenon of hidden hunger. The domination of fast food and the missing vitamins and minerals have now led to compromised immune systems, poor sight and hearing defects. The triple burden of malnutrition — undernutrition, hidden hunger and overweight — threatens the survival and development of children all over the world. As eating habits continue to deteriorate with children being on the front line of the problem, making sure every child has access to a healthy diet must become a "political priority" if widespread malnutrition is to be conquered.

700 million children around the world victims of either undernourishment or obesity, including India

Overweight people are more likely to have overweight dogs, partly because they are more likely to feed them treats, Danish researchers said Wednesday.

The study by the University of Copenhagen lends credence to the saying "like an owner, like a dog", the scientists wrote in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine.

"The prevalence of heavy or obese dogs is more than twice as large among overweight or obese owners (35 per cent) than among owners who are slim or of normal weight (14 per cent)," the researchers said.

Of the 268 dogs studied, 20 per cent were overweight.

Average-weight owners tend to use treats for training purposes while overweight owners prefer to provide treats in convivial situations, "for example, when a person is relaxing on the couch and shares the last bites of a sandwich or a cookie with their dog," the study's main author, Charlotte Bjornvad, said.

In developed countries, 34 to 59 per cent of dogs are overweight or obese, which can reduce their life expectancy and mobility or cause diabetes and cardiac disease just like in humans, another international team of researchers found in 2016.

On average, overweight dogs live 1.3 years less than dogs on restrictive diets.

The University of Copenhagen study also showed that castration tripled the risk of being heavy or obese.

"Castration seems to decrease the ability to regulate the appetite in male dogs and at the same time, it might also decrease the incentive to exercise which results in an increased risk of becoming overweight," Bjornvad said.

Overweight people are more likely to have overweight dogs, partly because they are more likely to feed them treats, Danish researchers said Wednesday. The study by the University of Copenhagen lends credence to the saying "like an owner, like a dog", the scientists wrote in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine.

Overweight people are more likely to have overweight dogs, partly because they are more likely to feed them treats, Danish researchers said Wednesday. The study by the University of Copenhagen lends credence to the saying "like an owner, like a dog", the scientists wrote in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine. "The prevalence of heavy or obese dogs is more than twice as large among overweight or obese owners (35 per cent) than among owners who are slim or of normal weight (14 per cent)," the researchers said. Of the 268 dogs studied, 20 per cent were overweight. Average-weight owners tend to use treats for training purposes while overweight owners prefer to provide treats in convivial situations, "for example, when a person is relaxing on the couch and shares the last bites of a sandwich or a cookie with their dog," the study's main author, Charlotte Bjornvad, said. In developed countries, 34 to 59 per cent of dogs are overweight or obese, which can reduce their life expectancy and mobility or cause diabetes and cardiac disease just like in humans, another international team of researchers found in 2016. On average, overweight dogs live 1.3 years less than dogs on restrictive diets. The University of Copenhagen study also showed that castration tripled the risk of being heavy or obese. "Castration seems to decrease the ability to regulate the appetite in male dogs and at the same time, it might also decrease the incentive to exercise which results in an increased risk of becoming overweight," Bjornvad said.

Overweight people more likely to have overweight dogs: Study

In these hectic days, where social media has become the country’s principal pre-occupation, the time for physical exercise is shockingly scanty.&nbsp;

No surprise then that there is an outbreak of lifestyle diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes and obesity that plague the country’s middle-aged population across the economic divide, a trend that was once only the prerogative of the rich and super-rich.

Oscar Wilde’s epigrammatic expression of treating all trivial things very seriously and all serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality, applies to India of today more than anywhere else.

In the ongoing Parliament session, when a question was asked in the Lok Sabha by BJP MP, Rathva Gitaben Vajesingbhai, as to whether the incidence of obesity is increasing among not only among the middle-aged, but also the youth in urban areas, the minister of state of health and family welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, revealed some eye-popping details.&nbsp;

Citing the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report on the health of the nation’s states, he said that the contribution of high body mass index (BMI) in total disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of India has increased from 0.8 per cent in 1990 to 3.6 per cent in 2016.

As per the National Family Health Survey (NHFS)-4 (2015-16), there has been a spurt in obesity in both males (from 9.3 per cent to 18.6 per cent) and females (from 12.6 per cent to 20.7 per cent) in the age group 15-49 years in comparison to NFHS-3.

Three years since then, the situation on the ground appears grim as the age-group caught in the obesity syndrome ranges between 15 to 49, the most active and productive years in the life of an individual. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions have been asked as to whether being obese is one’s fate or a genetic defect or eating disorder triggered by binge hogging and irregular work schedule or inability to maintain work-life balance through healthy habits.&nbsp;

Whatever the reason, the result is often fatal if the root cause is not diagnosed quickly and remedial measures put in place before it develops into a complicated chain reaction that affects the functioning of a human being’s vital organs and the physical system.

A practicing bariatric surgeon in the United Kingdom, Dr Kamal Mahawar, who has done a dissertation on “Fight With Fat”, recently told this author that India is the third most obese country in the world with 3.8% of Indian men and 4.2% of Indian women wrestling with over-weight issues that affect their physical and psychical wellness.&nbsp;

He blames the entry and entrenchment of fast-food outlets — both desi and videshi — as responsible for the swell in obesity numbers across the country and suggests that fast food products churned out by multinationals and the processed food industry, be taxed heavily. &nbsp;

For the desi shops, dishing out such ready-to-eat heavily-layered masala food items, Mahawar advocates food labeling with mandatory display of calorie count as well as carbohydrate, fat and protein ingredients in granular detail, so that consumers have an informed option before going on a binge on unwholesome food stuff that becomes addictive over time.&nbsp;

Ramming home some native wisdom and home truths on desirable dietary habits, the doctor contends that raw food typically releases calories slowly into the system, while processed and cooked food leads to abrupt surges in the release and absorption of calories by the body. Fending off the obesity epidemic is feasible, if one does not ignore traditional Indian culinary practices and consumption patterns, which has benefitted the human system.&nbsp;

Be that as it may, the bugle on bulge and the battle ahead to fight the fat as raised by Dr Mahawar and the concerned MP in the country’s Parliament have not come a day too soon. India’s goal of reaching the $5-trillion dollar economy mark before long would sound like a pipe dream if the dietary habits of its productive and robust population do not change for the better to raise the total productivity of the economy.&nbsp;

No doubt, the Modi-2 government has its tasks cut out in this battle of the bulge. It has already set in motion the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Strokes (NPCDCS), which is implemented for interventions up to district level under the National Health Mission (NHM).&nbsp;

NPCDCS stresses on awareness creation for behaviour and lifestyle changes, alongside early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, for which obesity constitutes a major risk factor.&nbsp;

Considering the staggering shortfall in infrastructure and human resources, including the number of doctors for taking up primary health needs of the vast population and perennially under-funding in rural health infrastructure, the awareness campaign to take the fight against fat is faced with stark ground realities.&nbsp;

With diabetes and obesity melding in a seamless manner, Dr Mahawar cautions against the outbreak of ‘diabesity’ to focus attention on the dismal lack of support system for innumerable poor patients who suffer from these twin ailments.&nbsp;

It is time the authorities woke up to the menace of obesity, not only in urban but also in rural areas, so that preventive and curative measures could be initiated on a war-footing to ensure India’s tryst with a mega-sized economy tag. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-big-battle-of-the-bulge-2776726">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In these hectic days, where social media has become the country’s principal pre-occupation, the time for physical exercise is shockingly scanty. No surprise then that there is an outbreak of lifestyle diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes and obesity that plague the country’s middle-aged population across the economic divide, a trend that was once only the prerogative of the rich and super-rich.

In these hectic days, where social media has become the country’s principal pre-occupation, the time for physical exercise is shockingly scanty. No surprise then that there is an outbreak of lifestyle diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes and obesity that plague the country’s middle-aged population across the economic divide, a trend that was once only the prerogative of the rich and super-rich. Oscar Wilde’s epigrammatic expression of treating all trivial things very seriously and all serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality, applies to India of today more than anywhere else. In the ongoing Parliament session, when a question was asked in the Lok Sabha by BJP MP, Rathva Gitaben Vajesingbhai, as to whether the incidence of obesity is increasing among not only among the middle-aged, but also the youth in urban areas, the minister of state of health and family welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, revealed some eye-popping details. Citing the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report on the health of the nation’s states, he said that the contribution of high body mass index (BMI) in total disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of India has increased from 0.8 per cent in 1990 to 3.6 per cent in 2016. As per the National Family Health Survey (NHFS)-4 (2015-16), there has been a spurt in obesity in both males (from 9.3 per cent to 18.6 per cent) and females (from 12.6 per cent to 20.7 per cent) in the age group 15-49 years in comparison to NFHS-3. Three years since then, the situation on the ground appears grim as the age-group caught in the obesity syndrome ranges between 15 to 49, the most active and productive years in the life of an individual. Questions have been asked as to whether being obese is one’s fate or a genetic defect or eating disorder triggered by binge hogging and irregular work schedule or inability to maintain work-life balance through healthy habits. Whatever the reason, the result is often fatal if the root cause is not diagnosed quickly and remedial measures put in place before it develops into a complicated chain reaction that affects the functioning of a human being’s vital organs and the physical system. A practicing bariatric surgeon in the United Kingdom, Dr Kamal Mahawar, who has done a dissertation on “Fight With Fat”, recently told this author that India is the third most obese country in the world with 3.8% of Indian men and 4.2% of Indian women wrestling with over-weight issues that affect their physical and psychical wellness. He blames the entry and entrenchment of fast-food outlets — both desi and videshi — as responsible for the swell in obesity numbers across the country and suggests that fast food products churned out by multinationals and the processed food industry, be taxed heavily. For the desi shops, dishing out such ready-to-eat heavily-layered masala food items, Mahawar advocates food labeling with mandatory display of calorie count as well as carbohydrate, fat and protein ingredients in granular detail, so that consumers have an informed option before going on a binge on unwholesome food stuff that becomes addictive over time. Ramming home some native wisdom and home truths on desirable dietary habits, the doctor contends that raw food typically releases calories slowly into the system, while processed and cooked food leads to abrupt surges in the release and absorption of calories by the body. Fending off the obesity epidemic is feasible, if one does not ignore traditional Indian culinary practices and consumption patterns, which has benefitted the human system. Be that as it may, the bugle on bulge and the battle ahead to fight the fat as raised by Dr Mahawar and the concerned MP in the country’s Parliament have not come a day too soon. India’s goal of reaching the $5-trillion dollar economy mark before long would sound like a pipe dream if the dietary habits of its productive and robust population do not change for the better to raise the total productivity of the economy. No doubt, the Modi-2 government has its tasks cut out in this battle of the bulge. It has already set in motion the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Strokes (NPCDCS), which is implemented for interventions up to district level under the National Health Mission (NHM). NPCDCS stresses on awareness creation for behaviour and lifestyle changes, alongside early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, for which obesity constitutes a major risk factor. Considering the staggering shortfall in infrastructure and human resources, including the number of doctors for taking up primary health needs of the vast population and perennially under-funding in rural health infrastructure, the awareness campaign to take the fight against fat is faced with stark ground realities. With diabetes and obesity melding in a seamless manner, Dr Mahawar cautions against the outbreak of ‘diabesity’ to focus attention on the dismal lack of support system for innumerable poor patients who suffer from these twin ailments. It is time the authorities woke up to the menace of obesity, not only in urban but also in rural areas, so that preventive and curative measures could be initiated on a war-footing to ensure India’s tryst with a mega-sized economy tag. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It is time authorities woke up to the menace of obesity

Pakistan's heaviest man, who weighs over 330 kg, has been shifted to a military hospital here after the wall of his house was broken by emergency service personnel with the help of the army.

Noorul Hassan, 55, a resident of Sadiqabad district of Punjab province, some 400kms from Lahore, is suffering from extreme obesity.

On Tuesday, personnel from the Rescue 1122 had to break the wall of his house to take him outside as he was too big to pass through the main gate of his house.

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa made special arrangements for Hassan's transfer and treatment after he appealed to him for help on social media.

Hassan, who is unable to move freely due to being overweight and also because of other medical complications, will get treatment, including laparoscopic surgery, at the hospital in Lahore.

On Tuesday, he was shifted to a military hospital for examination in Lahore. Later, he was shifted to Shalamar Hospital Lahore, a health facility under a public-private partnership.

According to media reports, Hassan is the heaviest man in Pakistan, but there is no official confirmation about this.

Earlier in 2017, Pakistan's most obese person with a weight of 360 kg underwent laparoscopic surgery and succeeded to bring his weight below 200 kg.

According to a survey report released by the Pakistan Endocrine Society last year, 29 per cent of the Pakistani population is overweight, out of which 51 per cent are categorized in the obesity class.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's heaviest man, who weighs over 330 kg, has been shifted to a military hospital here after the wall of his house was broken by emergency service personnel with the help of the army.

Pakistan's heaviest man, who weighs over 330 kg, has been shifted to a military hospital here after the wall of his house was broken by emergency service personnel with the help of the army. Noorul Hassan, 55, a resident of Sadiqabad district of Punjab province, some 400kms from Lahore, is suffering from extreme obesity. On Tuesday, personnel from the Rescue 1122 had to break the wall of his house to take him outside as he was too big to pass through the main gate of his house. Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa made special arrangements for Hassan's transfer and treatment after he appealed to him for help on social media. Hassan, who is unable to move freely due to being overweight and also because of other medical complications, will get treatment, including laparoscopic surgery, at the hospital in Lahore. On Tuesday, he was shifted to a military hospital for examination in Lahore. Later, he was shifted to Shalamar Hospital Lahore, a health facility under a public-private partnership. According to media reports, Hassan is the heaviest man in Pakistan, but there is no official confirmation about this. Earlier in 2017, Pakistan's most obese person with a weight of 360 kg underwent laparoscopic surgery and succeeded to bring his weight below 200 kg. According to a survey report released by the Pakistan Endocrine Society last year, 29 per cent of the Pakistani population is overweight, out of which 51 per cent are categorized in the obesity class.

Pakistan's 'heaviest' man shifted to hospital for treatment

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/high-stress-jobs-make-women-put-on-weight-not-men-study-193109">obesity, hunger and climate change</a>, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control.

Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

"Powerful opposition from vested interests, lack of political leadership, and insufficient societal demand for change are preventing action," they said in a statement.

Nearly a billion people are hungry and another two billion are eating too much of the wrong foods, causing epidemics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Unhealthy diets account for up to 11 million premature deaths every year, according to the most recent Global Disease Burden report.

"Malnutrition in all its forms -- including undernutrition and obesity -- is by far the biggest cause of ill-health and premature deathy globally," said Commission co-chair Boyd Swinburn, a professor at the University of Aukland.&nbsp;

"Both undernutrition and obesity are expected to be made significantly worse by climate change."

The way in which food is currently produced, distributed and consumed not only fuels the hunger and obesity pandemics, it also generates 25 to 30 percent of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

Cattle production alone accounts for more than have of those gases, in the form of methane-laden flatulence and CO2 when forests -- especially in Brazil -- are cleared to accommodate livestock.

A transport system dominated by cars contributes another 15 to 25 percent of emissions, and supports a sedentary lifestyle.

Triple pandemic 
"Underpinning all of these are weak political governance, the unchallenging economic pursuit of GPD growth, and the powerful commercial engineering of overconsumption," the report said.

"Undernutrition is declining too slowly to meet global targets, no country has reversed its obesity epidemic, and comprehensive policy responses to the threat of climate change have barely begun."

Despite 30 years of warnings from science about the dire impacts of global warming, CO2 emissions hit record levels in 2017 and again last year.

Because all these problems are interwoven, the answers must be too, the researchers emphasised.

"Joining three pandemics" -- hunger, obesity, climate -- "together as 'The Global Syndemic' allows us to consider common drivers and shared solutions."

Another Lancet Commission report published last week calling for a dramatic shift in global diet to improve health and avoid "catastrophic" damage to the planet.

"Until now, undernutrition and obesity have been seen as polar opposites of either too few or too many calories," said Swinburn.

"In reality, they are both driven by the same unhealthy, inequitable food systems, underpinned by the same political economy."

The report calls for a Framework Convention on Food Systems -- similar to global conventions for tobacco control and climate change -- to restrict the influence of the food industry.

How we eat, live, move 
The experts also argue that economic incentives must be overhauled.&nbsp;

Some five trillion dollars (4.4 trillion euros) in government subsidies for fossil fuels and large-scale agribusiness should be rechanneled toward "sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly activities," they said.

To sharply reduce red meat consumption, for example, the report favours high taxes, abolishing subsidies, along with transparent health and environment labelling.

In addition, they favour the creation of a one billion dollar philanthropic fund to support grassroots action.

"Tackling 'The Global Syndemic' requires an urgent rethink of how we eat, live, consume and move," said Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet.

The two Lancet reports are not the only urgent appeal from science in recent months. In October, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change likewise called for an economic and social "paradigm shift" to avoid global chaos. &nbsp;

Reaction to the Lancet recommendations has been sharply divided. Health advocates and climate experts hailed its sweeping call for deep change.

"For too long we have been day-dreaming our way to a diseased future," said Katie Dain, CEO of the Noncommunicable Disease Alliance.

"A food system that secures a better diet for this and the immediate next generations will save millions of lives and, at the same time, help save the planet."

Industry representatives and libertarians slammed the findings as overwrought and an assault on free choice.

"This is the final vindication for those of us who have warned about the slippery slope of regulation," said Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs.

"Nanny-state zealots are no longer hiding their intention to use the anti-tobacco blueprint to control other areas of our lives."

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control.

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control. Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded. "Powerful opposition from vested interests, lack of political leadership, and insufficient societal demand for change are preventing action," they said in a statement. Nearly a billion people are hungry and another two billion are eating too much of the wrong foods, causing epidemics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Unhealthy diets account for up to 11 million premature deaths every year, according to the most recent Global Disease Burden report. "Malnutrition in all its forms -- including undernutrition and obesity -- is by far the biggest cause of ill-health and premature deathy globally," said Commission co-chair Boyd Swinburn, a professor at the University of Aukland. "Both undernutrition and obesity are expected to be made significantly worse by climate change." The way in which food is currently produced, distributed and consumed not only fuels the hunger and obesity pandemics, it also generates 25 to 30 percent of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle production alone accounts for more than have of those gases, in the form of methane-laden flatulence and CO2 when forests -- especially in Brazil -- are cleared to accommodate livestock. A transport system dominated by cars contributes another 15 to 25 percent of emissions, and supports a sedentary lifestyle. Triple pandemic "Underpinning all of these are weak political governance, the unchallenging economic pursuit of GPD growth, and the powerful commercial engineering of overconsumption," the report said. "Undernutrition is declining too slowly to meet global targets, no country has reversed its obesity epidemic, and comprehensive policy responses to the threat of climate change have barely begun." Despite 30 years of warnings from science about the dire impacts of global warming, CO2 emissions hit record levels in 2017 and again last year. Because all these problems are interwoven, the answers must be too, the researchers emphasised. "Joining three pandemics" -- hunger, obesity, climate -- "together as 'The Global Syndemic' allows us to consider common drivers and shared solutions." Another Lancet Commission report published last week calling for a dramatic shift in global diet to improve health and avoid "catastrophic" damage to the planet. "Until now, undernutrition and obesity have been seen as polar opposites of either too few or too many calories," said Swinburn. "In reality, they are both driven by the same unhealthy, inequitable food systems, underpinned by the same political economy." The report calls for a Framework Convention on Food Systems -- similar to global conventions for tobacco control and climate change -- to restrict the influence of the food industry. How we eat, live, move The experts also argue that economic incentives must be overhauled. Some five trillion dollars (4.4 trillion euros) in government subsidies for fossil fuels and large-scale agribusiness should be rechanneled toward "sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly activities," they said. To sharply reduce red meat consumption, for example, the report favours high taxes, abolishing subsidies, along with transparent health and environment labelling. In addition, they favour the creation of a one billion dollar philanthropic fund to support grassroots action. "Tackling 'The Global Syndemic' requires an urgent rethink of how we eat, live, consume and move," said Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet. The two Lancet reports are not the only urgent appeal from science in recent months. In October, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change likewise called for an economic and social "paradigm shift" to avoid global chaos. Reaction to the Lancet recommendations has been sharply divided. Health advocates and climate experts hailed its sweeping call for deep change. "For too long we have been day-dreaming our way to a diseased future," said Katie Dain, CEO of the Noncommunicable Disease Alliance. "A food system that secures a better diet for this and the immediate next generations will save millions of lives and, at the same time, help save the planet." Industry representatives and libertarians slammed the findings as overwrought and an assault on free choice. "This is the final vindication for those of us who have warned about the slippery slope of regulation," said Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs. "Nanny-state zealots are no longer hiding their intention to use the anti-tobacco blueprint to control other areas of our lives."

To defeat obesity, hunger & climate change, governments must curb influence of big corporations: Lancet

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-bangla-plane-crash-that-killed-51-was-caused-by-pilot-smoking-in-cockpit-193269">US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-bangla-plane-crash-that-killed-51-was-caused-by-pilot-smoking-in-cockpit-193269">cockpit</a>

The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-3rd-odi-nz-are-at-10-1-after-2-overs-193266">India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Catch all the live updates here</a>

India's bowlers struck early, sending both Kiwi openers back to the pavilion. New Zealand were 59/3 after 16.2 overs at 9 am IST with skipper Kane Williamson departing after his openers.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uss-bolton-warns-venezuela-of-significant-response-if-juan-guaido-is-threatened-193282"> is threatened</a>

National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" from the US.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-dam-burst-death-toll-touches-58-rescuers-find-bus-full-of-bodies-193259">Brazil dam burst: Death toll touches 58, rescuers find bus full of bodies</a>

Fears of a second dam breach at a Brazilian mining complex receded Sunday, enabling a search to resume for the more than 300 people still missing two days after a dam collapse that has killed at least 58 people.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">To defeat obesity, hunger &amp; climate change, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">govts</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275"> must curb </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275">influence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/to-defeat-obesity-hunger-climate-change-govts-must-curb-influence-of-big-corporations-lancet-193275"> of big corporations: Lancet</a>

To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control.

Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in cockpit The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

US-Bangla plane crash that killed 51 was caused by pilot smoking in cockpit The US-Bangla airline Bombardier UBG-211 crash that occurred in March last year took place as the pilot who was in charge of the flight had smoked inside the cockpit despite restrictions, authorities confirmed on Sunday. India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Catch all the live updates here India's bowlers struck early, sending both Kiwi openers back to the pavilion. New Zealand were 59/3 after 16.2 overs at 9 am IST with skipper Kane Williamson departing after his openers. US's Bolton warns Venezuela of 'significant response' if Juan Guaido is threatened National Security Adviser of the United States John Bolton said that any violence and intimidation against US diplomats, Venezuela's "democratic leader" Juan Guaido or the National Assembly will be met with a "significant response" from the US. Brazil dam burst: Death toll touches 58, rescuers find bus full of bodies Fears of a second dam breach at a Brazilian mining complex receded Sunday, enabling a search to resume for the more than 300 people still missing two days after a dam collapse that has killed at least 58 people. To defeat obesity, hunger & climate change, govts must curb influence of big corporations: Lancet To defeat the intertwined pandemics of obesity, hunger and climate change, governments must curb the political influence of major corporations, said a major report Monday calling for a 'global treaty' similar to one for tobacco control. Bu this will not happen unless ordinary citizens demand a "radical rethink" of the relationship between policymakers and business, nearly four dozen experts from The Lancet Commission on Obesity concluded.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Scientists reveal 'ideal diet' for peoples' and planet's health

An independent panel advising the World Health Organization (WHO) stopped short of recommending taxing sugary drinks on Friday after failing to reach a consensus.

The UN&nbspagency said it would pursue the fight against childhood obesity and diabetes, but activists had hoped for a strong endorsement for a tax to discourage consumption of sweetened beverages.

Some countries, such as Mexico, France and Britain, are already taxing sugary drinks and the WHO made a non-binding recommendation in October 2016 that governments should impose a 20 per cent tax.

Sania Nishtar, a former Pakistani health minister who co-chaired the panel, declined to give details of how its 21 members - who include heads of states and health ministers - voted. However, she said some of the evidence in favour of a tax had been queried.

"The reason behind the opposition of one commissioner, in particular, was with regard to the strength of evidence (on sugar)," she said, without naming the person.

Asked about any industry lobbying or influence on the panel's decision not to back a tax, Nishtar replied: "We did not have any input from the sugar industry."

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency remained committed to tackling child obesity.

"One thing I would like to assure you is the WHO position cannot change because of this report," he told a news conference.

"This is because youth consumption of sugar is associated with obesity. At the same time, taxing sugar was shown to reduce consumption in many countries. Not only that, the money from tax can be used to strengthen the health system," he said.

He established the WHO Independent High-Level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases last year to provide advice on how to reduce premature deaths from such diseases by one third by 2030.

The panel on Friday called on governments to increase efforts to fight an explosive epidemic of non-communicable diseases in low and middle-income countries which account for 71 per cent of all deaths globally, or 41 million deaths a year.

To achieve progress, "governments should work with: food and non-alcoholic beverage companies in areas such as reformulation, labelling, and regulating marketing", its report, which goes to a United Nations summit in September, said.

The commission made six recommendations in its report, including for government heads to take responsibility for disease reduction and to increase regulation. It did not mention taxes specifically.

Britain's sugar tax on soft drinks came into effect in April and led manufacturers to reformulate their products beforehand to be below the levy's sugar threshold.

France and Hungary have imposed taxes on drinks with added sugar, while Ireland gained EU approval in April.

Some countries, such as Mexico, France and Britain, are already taxing sugary drinks

An independent panel advising the World Health Organization (WHO) stopped short of recommending taxing sugary drinks on Friday after failing to reach a consensus. The UN&nbspagency said it would pursue the fight against childhood obesity and diabetes, but activists had hoped for a strong endorsement for a tax to discourage consumption of sweetened beverages. Some countries, such as Mexico, France and Britain, are already taxing sugary drinks and the WHO made a non-binding recommendation in October 2016 that governments should impose a 20 per cent tax. Sania Nishtar, a former Pakistani health minister who co-chaired the panel, declined to give details of how its 21 members - who include heads of states and health ministers - voted. However, she said some of the evidence in favour of a tax had been queried. "The reason behind the opposition of one commissioner, in particular, was with regard to the strength of evidence (on sugar)," she said, without naming the person. Asked about any industry lobbying or influence on the panel's decision not to back a tax, Nishtar replied: "We did not have any input from the sugar industry." WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency remained committed to tackling child obesity. "One thing I would like to assure you is the WHO position cannot change because of this report," he told a news conference. "This is because youth consumption of sugar is associated with obesity. At the same time, taxing sugar was shown to reduce consumption in many countries. Not only that, the money from tax can be used to strengthen the health system," he said. He established the WHO Independent High-Level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases last year to provide advice on how to reduce premature deaths from such diseases by one third by 2030. The panel on Friday called on governments to increase efforts to fight an explosive epidemic of non-communicable diseases in low and middle-income countries which account for 71 per cent of all deaths globally, or 41 million deaths a year. To achieve progress, "governments should work with: food and non-alcoholic beverage companies in areas such as reformulation, labelling, and regulating marketing", its report, which goes to a United Nations summit in September, said. The commission made six recommendations in its report, including for government heads to take responsibility for disease reduction and to increase regulation. It did not mention taxes specifically. Britain's sugar tax on soft drinks came into effect in April and led manufacturers to reformulate their products beforehand to be below the levy's sugar threshold. France and Hungary have imposed taxes on drinks with added sugar, while Ireland gained EU approval in April.

WHO panel split on soft drink sugar tax to cut obesity

By Kacie Dickinson*, Jodi Bernstein**

We hear regularly from health organisations and experts that we should eat less sugar. But we&rsquo;re also told we should eat more fruit.

All types of sugar will give us the same amount of calories, whether they are from fruit or soft drink. But the health risks of eating sugar are related to consuming too many &ldquo;free sugars&rdquo; in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk.

Types of sugar in food

Sugar in food and drinks comes in various forms. Sugar molecules are classified as monosaccharides (single sugar molecules such as glucose and fructose) and disaccharides (more complex structures such as sucrose and lactose).

Fruit contains natural sugars, which are a mix of sucrose, fructose and glucose. Many people have heard that sugar is bad, and think that this must also therefore apply to fruits.

But fructose is only harmful in excess amounts, and not when it comes from fruit. It would be incredibly difficult to consume excessive amounts of fructose by eating whole fruits.

It&rsquo;s much easier to consume excess sugar from foods and drinks that contain &ldquo;free sugars&rdquo;.

Free sugars include these same sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), but in this case they have been removed from their naturally occurring source (rather than being eaten as natural parts of fruits, dairy products, and some vegetables and grains). This includes sugar that is added to food and drinks by food companies, cooks or consumers.&nbsp;

Health risks come from free sugars, not fruits 
Evidence shows that the health risks from sugars, such as tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain, are related to consuming too many free sugars in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk.

For this reason it is recommended that no more than 10% of your daily calories come from free sugars. For the average adult, this is about 50g or only slightly more than the amount of sugar in a can of regular soft drink or soda. It&rsquo;s estimated that Australians get around 60% (65g) of their sugar intake from free sugars.

Foods that are sources of free sugars, such as juices, soft drinks, biscuits and lollies, are often high in calories and have little other nutritional value. It is often easy to consume more of them compared with fresh fruit and they also may be replacing other nutritious foods in the diet.

Consider a bottle of fruit juice &ndash; you would have to eat six whole oranges to get the same amount of sugar you consume in the juice. And because the fruit is in juice form, it counts towards your daily limit of free sugars.

Calories from drinks that contain sugar often become an addition to the calories you are eating from food, which may lead to weight gain over time.

Eating large amounts of dried fruit is also not a good idea if you are limiting your sugar intake. Through the process of removing water from the fruit, nutrients are concentrated, such that dried apricots, for example, contain about six times as much sugar (40g per 100g) as fresh apricots (6g per 100g).&nbsp;

We need to eat fruit

Unlike many foods that are high in free sugars, fruits are packaged with lots of nutrients that help provide us with a balanced diet for good health.

For starters, fruit is an excellent source of fibre. An average banana will provide 20-25% (6g) of your recommended daily fibre intake. Getting enough fibre in the diet is important for protecting against bowel cancer. There is clear room for improvement in our fibre intake &ndash; adults in many countries consume only about half of the recommended amount each day (25g for Aussie women and 30g for Aussie men).

The fibre in fruit, which is often absent in many foods and drinks with free sugars, may also help to fill you up, which means you eat less overall at a meal. It&rsquo;s not clear exactly why this is, but it could be related to the volume of the food (especially compared with liquids) and the chewing involved.

Fruit is also a good source of other nutrients such as potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, and flavonoids, which may reduce your risk of heart disease.

There is evidence that eating whole fruits (alone and in combination with vegetables) reduces your chances of dying from cancer, obesity and heart disease.

Despite this, only about 50% of Australians eat at least two pieces of fruit per day.

Most national dietary guidelines encourage eating fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on the vegetables. To try and eat your recommended two pieces of fruit per day remember that a piece could be a banana, apple or orange, or two smaller fruits like plums or apricots, or a cup of grapes or berries.&nbsp;

When it comes to other sources of sugars, try to choose foods that have little or no sugar listed in the ingredient list, and drink water instead of sugary beverages when you are thirsty.

&nbsp;

*Kacie Dickinson is an accredited practicing Dietitian; Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University

**Jodi Bernstein&nbsp;is a PhD Candidate in Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When it comes to other sources of sugars, try to choose foods that have little or no sugar listed in the ingredient list, and drink water instead of sugary beverages when you are thirsty.

By Kacie Dickinson*, Jodi Bernstein** We hear regularly from health organisations and experts that we should eat less sugar. But we’re also told we should eat more fruit. All types of sugar will give us the same amount of calories, whether they are from fruit or soft drink. But the health risks of eating sugar are related to consuming too many “free sugars” in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk. Types of sugar in food Sugar in food and drinks comes in various forms. Sugar molecules are classified as monosaccharides (single sugar molecules such as glucose and fructose) and disaccharides (more complex structures such as sucrose and lactose). Fruit contains natural sugars, which are a mix of sucrose, fructose and glucose. Many people have heard that sugar is bad, and think that this must also therefore apply to fruits. But fructose is only harmful in excess amounts, and not when it comes from fruit. It would be incredibly difficult to consume excessive amounts of fructose by eating whole fruits. It’s much easier to consume excess sugar from foods and drinks that contain “free sugars”. Free sugars include these same sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), but in this case they have been removed from their naturally occurring source (rather than being eaten as natural parts of fruits, dairy products, and some vegetables and grains). This includes sugar that is added to food and drinks by food companies, cooks or consumers. Health risks come from free sugars, not fruits Evidence shows that the health risks from sugars, such as tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain, are related to consuming too many free sugars in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk. For this reason it is recommended that no more than 10% of your daily calories come from free sugars. For the average adult, this is about 50g or only slightly more than the amount of sugar in a can of regular soft drink or soda. It’s estimated that Australians get around 60% (65g) of their sugar intake from free sugars. Foods that are sources of free sugars, such as juices, soft drinks, biscuits and lollies, are often high in calories and have little other nutritional value. It is often easy to consume more of them compared with fresh fruit and they also may be replacing other nutritious foods in the diet. Consider a bottle of fruit juice – you would have to eat six whole oranges to get the same amount of sugar you consume in the juice. And because the fruit is in juice form, it counts towards your daily limit of free sugars. Calories from drinks that contain sugar often become an addition to the calories you are eating from food, which may lead to weight gain over time. Eating large amounts of dried fruit is also not a good idea if you are limiting your sugar intake. Through the process of removing water from the fruit, nutrients are concentrated, such that dried apricots, for example, contain about six times as much sugar (40g per 100g) as fresh apricots (6g per 100g). We need to eat fruit Unlike many foods that are high in free sugars, fruits are packaged with lots of nutrients that help provide us with a balanced diet for good health. For starters, fruit is an excellent source of fibre. An average banana will provide 20-25% (6g) of your recommended daily fibre intake. Getting enough fibre in the diet is important for protecting against bowel cancer. There is clear room for improvement in our fibre intake – adults in many countries consume only about half of the recommended amount each day (25g for Aussie women and 30g for Aussie men). The fibre in fruit, which is often absent in many foods and drinks with free sugars, may also help to fill you up, which means you eat less overall at a meal. It’s not clear exactly why this is, but it could be related to the volume of the food (especially compared with liquids) and the chewing involved. Fruit is also a good source of other nutrients such as potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, and flavonoids, which may reduce your risk of heart disease. There is evidence that eating whole fruits (alone and in combination with vegetables) reduces your chances of dying from cancer, obesity and heart disease. Despite this, only about 50% of Australians eat at least two pieces of fruit per day. Most national dietary guidelines encourage eating fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on the vegetables. To try and eat your recommended two pieces of fruit per day remember that a piece could be a banana, apple or orange, or two smaller fruits like plums or apricots, or a cup of grapes or berries. When it comes to other sources of sugars, try to choose foods that have little or no sugar listed in the ingredient list, and drink water instead of sugary beverages when you are thirsty. *Kacie Dickinson is an accredited practicing Dietitian; Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University **Jodi Bernstein is a PhD Candidate in Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: If sugar is so bad for us, why is the sugar in fruit ok?

Coca Cola Co. has decided to stop all factory visits by students in Britain after facing backlash that highly sugary drinks cause obesity.&nbsp;

The soft drink company is scrapping free visits to the company&#39;s education centres, five of its factories and recycling centres. The programme included visits by over 500,000 children, reports said.&nbsp;

More than 100,000 children have taken up free trips to the drinks giant&rsquo;s education centres. It is also scrapping a national competition &mdash; the Real Business Challenge &mdash; for secondary schools that&nbsp;involved about 390,000 children.

Real Business Challenge is a national competition that aims to help students develop useful skills such as teamwork and problem-solving.

&quot;Although we took the difficult decision to close our education programme last summer, this decision was taken internally and was not in response to any external pressures relating to our business or our products,&quot; The Independent quoted a spokesman from CCEP as saying.

The spokesman further emphasised that the company remains committed to addressing the barriers that prevent young people from entering the workplace.

&quot;We are currently reviewing how we can continue our work with young people in ways that best support their needs in the communities in which we operate. We are proud of our education programme and the role it played in helping to improve the employability skills of many thousands of young people for more than a decade,&quot; said the Spokesman.

The spokesman also said that those visiting the Education Centers were only ever offered water or juices to drink, &quot;in line with the school food regulations&quot;.&nbsp;

The soda company is scrapping free visits to the company's education centres are five of its factories and recycling centres. The programme included visits by over 500,000 children, reports said

Coca Cola Co. has decided to stop all factory visits by students in Britain after facing backlash that highly sugary drinks cause obesity. The soft drink company is scrapping free visits to the company's education centres, five of its factories and recycling centres. The programme included visits by over 500,000 children, reports said. More than 100,000 children have taken up free trips to the drinks giant’s education centres. It is also scrapping a national competition — the Real Business Challenge — for secondary schools that involved about 390,000 children. Real Business Challenge is a national competition that aims to help students develop useful skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. "Although we took the difficult decision to close our education programme last summer, this decision was taken internally and was not in response to any external pressures relating to our business or our products," The Independent quoted a spokesman from CCEP as saying. The spokesman further emphasised that the company remains committed to addressing the barriers that prevent young people from entering the workplace. "We are currently reviewing how we can continue our work with young people in ways that best support their needs in the communities in which we operate. We are proud of our education programme and the role it played in helping to improve the employability skills of many thousands of young people for more than a decade," said the Spokesman. The spokesman also said that those visiting the Education Centers were only ever offered water or juices to drink, "in line with the school food regulations".

Coca Cola discontinues students factory visits amid obesity backlash in UK

\Weight-loss balloons swallowed rather than surgically inserted in the stomach were shown to be safe and effective in preliminary trials, according to findings unveiled Thursday at a medical conference.

So-called intragastric balloons have been used for decades to help obese patients shed unwanted kilos. Inflated with water, the devices curb hunger and make it easier to diet by inducing a feeling if fullness.

Up to now, however, they could only be implanted in the stomach surgically, a costly procedure requiring general anaesthesia or sedation.

In a small trial led by Roberta Ienca, a researcher in experimental medicine at Sapienza University in Rome, 42 obese patients ,29 men and 13 women,&nbsp;were fitted with balloons that were swallowed before being inflated with liquid.

&quot;A catheter is attached to the balloon, which is folded into a capsule,&quot; Ienca explained to AFP.

A doctor fills the balloon via the tiny tube, which is then removed via the mouth with a tug. &quot;This process takes just a few seconds,&quot; she added.

The body-mass index (BMI) of the volunteers varied between 30 and 45. The threshold for obesity is a BMI, one&#39;s weight in kilos divided by one&#39;s height (in centimetres) squared,&nbsp;of 30.

The balloons remained in the stomach for 16 weeks, during which time patients were put on a low-carb, low-calorie diet.

At the end of that time, an internal release valve automatically opens and drains the balloon, which is then excreted.

On average, volunteers shed more than 15 kilos (33 pounds), which amounted to 31 per cent of excess weight.

No serious side effects were reported.

Seeking FDA approval

After the trial, patients were transitioned to a Mediterranean diet, heavy on vegetables and olive oil, and light on protein and starch.

The new technique &quot;appears to be a safe and effective weight-loss method,&quot; Ienca commented in a statement.

Because the swallowable balloon &quot;does not require endoscopy, surgery or anaesthesia, this may make it suitable for a larger population of obese patients not responding to diet or lifestyle treatment.&quot;

It could also lead to significant cost savings, she added.

&quot;In itself, gastric balloons are not a long-term solution for weight loss,&quot; Simon Cork, a researcher in investigative medicine at Imperial College London who was not involved in the study, commented after reviewing the results.

&quot;Nevertheless, gastric balloons are still useful for some patients, and the introduction of a device which doesn&#39;t require surgery to implant is a positive step forward.&quot;

Developed by US-based Allurion Technologies, the system is already marketed in Europe in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Greece. It is also available is Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The company intends to begin the FDA approval process in the United States soon, Ienca said.

The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Porto, Portugal, which runs through May 20.

(AFP)

&nbsp;

In a small trial, 42 obese patients ended up shedding more than 15 kilos?on average

\Weight-loss balloons swallowed rather than surgically inserted in the stomach were shown to be safe and effective in preliminary trials, according to findings unveiled Thursday at a medical conference. So-called intragastric balloons have been used for decades to help obese patients shed unwanted kilos. Inflated with water, the devices curb hunger and make it easier to diet by inducing a feeling if fullness. Up to now, however, they could only be implanted in the stomach surgically, a costly procedure requiring general anaesthesia or sedation. In a small trial led by Roberta Ienca, a researcher in experimental medicine at Sapienza University in Rome, 42 obese patients ,29 men and 13 women, were fitted with balloons that were swallowed before being inflated with liquid. "A catheter is attached to the balloon, which is folded into a capsule," Ienca explained to AFP. A doctor fills the balloon via the tiny tube, which is then removed via the mouth with a tug. "This process takes just a few seconds," she added. The body-mass index (BMI) of the volunteers varied between 30 and 45. The threshold for obesity is a BMI, one's weight in kilos divided by one's height (in centimetres) squared, of 30. The balloons remained in the stomach for 16 weeks, during which time patients were put on a low-carb, low-calorie diet. At the end of that time, an internal release valve automatically opens and drains the balloon, which is then excreted. On average, volunteers shed more than 15 kilos (33 pounds), which amounted to 31 per cent of excess weight. No serious side effects were reported. Seeking FDA approval After the trial, patients were transitioned to a Mediterranean diet, heavy on vegetables and olive oil, and light on protein and starch. The new technique "appears to be a safe and effective weight-loss method," Ienca commented in a statement. Because the swallowable balloon "does not require endoscopy, surgery or anaesthesia, this may make it suitable for a larger population of obese patients not responding to diet or lifestyle treatment." It could also lead to significant cost savings, she added. "In itself, gastric balloons are not a long-term solution for weight loss," Simon Cork, a researcher in investigative medicine at Imperial College London who was not involved in the study, commented after reviewing the results. "Nevertheless, gastric balloons are still useful for some patients, and the introduction of a device which doesn't require surgery to implant is a positive step forward." Developed by US-based Allurion Technologies, the system is already marketed in Europe in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Greece. It is also available is Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The company intends to begin the FDA approval process in the United States soon, Ienca said. The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Porto, Portugal, which runs through May 20. (AFP)

Study says swallowable balloons work to curb obesity

British teenagers drink a bathtub full of sugary drinks every year, Cancer Research foundation said on Tuesday.

According to CRUK, Children aged 11 to 18 consume on an average about 234 cans of sugar-sweetened soft drinks each year.

The figure is equal to almost a bath full and more than double for children between four and 10, their average annual intake adding up to 110 cans.

The data is from a recent report carried out by the British government&#39;s health department and the Food Standards Agency.

The study found a drop in the amount of sugar-sweetened soft drinks consumed by children, and a more significant fall recorded in the under-10s than teenagers.&nbsp;

However, despite the improving data, CRUK said there is &nbsp;an urgent need to further reduce children&#39;s intake of sugary drinks and voiced its support behind government proposal to introduce a sugar tax.

&quot;The ripple effect of a small tax on sugary drinks is enormous, and it will give soft drinks companies a clear incentive to reduce the amount of sugar in drinks,&quot; Alison Cox, director of prevention at CRUK told AFP.

&quot;But the government can do more to give the next generation a better chance.

&quot;The UK has an epidemic on its hands, and needs to act now,&quot; she added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May &nbsp;in August had said that she plans &nbsp;to introduce a sugar tax aimed at tackling childhood obesity, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes.

The sugar levy was first unveiled in March by former prime minister &nbsp;David Cameron&rsquo;s administration.

The tax is meant for drinks with more than five grams of sugar per 100 millilitres and will be introduced in two years, despite strong opposition from the drinks industry.

Only &nbsp;France, South Africa and Mexico have attempted such a tax.

 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Cancer Research UK has voiced its?support for government proposal to introduce a sugar tax after the report

British teenagers drink a bathtub full of sugary drinks every year, Cancer Research foundation said on Tuesday. According to CRUK, Children aged 11 to 18 consume on an average about 234 cans of sugar-sweetened soft drinks each year. The figure is equal to almost a bath full and more than double for children between four and 10, their average annual intake adding up to 110 cans. The data is from a recent report carried out by the British government's health department and the Food Standards Agency. The study found a drop in the amount of sugar-sweetened soft drinks consumed by children, and a more significant fall recorded in the under-10s than teenagers. However, despite the improving data, CRUK said there is an urgent need to further reduce children's intake of sugary drinks and voiced its support behind government proposal to introduce a sugar tax. "The ripple effect of a small tax on sugary drinks is enormous, and it will give soft drinks companies a clear incentive to reduce the amount of sugar in drinks," Alison Cox, director of prevention at CRUK told AFP. "But the government can do more to give the next generation a better chance. "The UK has an epidemic on its hands, and needs to act now," she added. British Prime Minister Theresa May in August had said that she plans to introduce a sugar tax aimed at tackling childhood obesity, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes. The sugar levy was first unveiled in March by former prime minister David Cameron’s administration. The tax is meant for drinks with more than five grams of sugar per 100 millilitres and will be introduced in two years, despite strong opposition from the drinks industry. Only France, South Africa and Mexico have attempted such a tax. (WION with inputs from AFP)

British teens drink a 'bathtub' of sugary drinks a year: Report

Britain on Thursday said it would tax companies which sell sugary soft drinks and invest that money in health programs for school children, part of a long-awaited strategy to curb childhood obesity that critics say is too weak. 
 
Drinks companies were also angered by the plan which urges industry to cut sugar in products aimed at children, saying nearly a third of those aged 2 to 15 are already overweight or obese. 
 
In a statement announcing details of the strategy, which has been in the works for several years, junior finance minister Jane Ellison said obesity was costing Britain&#39;s National Health Service (NHS) billions of pounds every year. 
 
Campaigners and health experts, however, said the plan was weak. 
 
Graham MacGregor, a professor of cardiovascular medicine and chairman of the Action on Sugar campaign group, said it was &quot;an insulting response&quot; to Britain&#39;s obesity and diabetes crisis which &quot;will bankrupt the NHS unless something radical is done.&quot; 
 
In opting for a sugar tax, Britain joins Belgium, France, Hungary and Mexico, all of which have imposed some form of tax on drinks with added sugar. Scandinavian countries have levied similar taxes for many years. 
 
Britain&#39;s plans will see a levy applied to drinks with a total sugar content above 5 grams per 100 ml (about a teaspoon per 3.38 fluid ounces for US measures), with a higher band for even more sugary drinks. 
 
The government&#39;s health department says sugary drinks are the single biggest source of sugar for children, and a child can have more than their recommended daily intake just by drinking a can of cola which contains nine teaspoons of sugar. 
 
It wants the industry to work towards a 20 percent cut in products popular with children, with 5 percent in the first year. Progress would be reviewed every six months by the government&#39;s health agency, Public Health England. 
 
But Gavin Partington, Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association, said the levy was a &quot;punitive tax&quot; that would &quot;cause thousands of job losses and yet fail to have a meaningful impact on levels of obesity.&quot; 
 
Sara Petersson, a nutrition analyst at Euromonitor International, said the focus on sugar may detract from other crucial factors in obesity. 
 
&quot;It is becoming abundantly clear that replacing a critical ingredient of a product, or single nutrient in a diet, is neither an easy process for food companies nor a successful obesity strategy,&quot; she said. 
 
The program the government intends to launch with funds raised from the sugar levy will focus on promoting healthy diets and physical activity in schoolchildren, Public Health Minister Nicola Blackwood said. 
 
She said primary schools would be asked to help pupils get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day. At least 30 minutes of this should be during school time, she said. 
 
(Reuters)

The tax money will be invested in health programmes for school children to curb obesity

Britain on Thursday said it would tax companies which sell sugary soft drinks and invest that money in health programs for school children, part of a long-awaited strategy to curb childhood obesity that critics say is too weak. Drinks companies were also angered by the plan which urges industry to cut sugar in products aimed at children, saying nearly a third of those aged 2 to 15 are already overweight or obese. In a statement announcing details of the strategy, which has been in the works for several years, junior finance minister Jane Ellison said obesity was costing Britain's National Health Service (NHS) billions of pounds every year. Campaigners and health experts, however, said the plan was weak. Graham MacGregor, a professor of cardiovascular medicine and chairman of the Action on Sugar campaign group, said it was "an insulting response" to Britain's obesity and diabetes crisis which "will bankrupt the NHS unless something radical is done." In opting for a sugar tax, Britain joins Belgium, France, Hungary and Mexico, all of which have imposed some form of tax on drinks with added sugar. Scandinavian countries have levied similar taxes for many years. Britain's plans will see a levy applied to drinks with a total sugar content above 5 grams per 100 ml (about a teaspoon per 3.38 fluid ounces for US measures), with a higher band for even more sugary drinks. The government's health department says sugary drinks are the single biggest source of sugar for children, and a child can have more than their recommended daily intake just by drinking a can of cola which contains nine teaspoons of sugar. It wants the industry to work towards a 20 percent cut in products popular with children, with 5 percent in the first year. Progress would be reviewed every six months by the government's health agency, Public Health England. But Gavin Partington, Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association, said the levy was a "punitive tax" that would "cause thousands of job losses and yet fail to have a meaningful impact on levels of obesity." Sara Petersson, a nutrition analyst at Euromonitor International, said the focus on sugar may detract from other crucial factors in obesity. "It is becoming abundantly clear that replacing a critical ingredient of a product, or single nutrient in a diet, is neither an easy process for food companies nor a successful obesity strategy," she said. The program the government intends to launch with funds raised from the sugar levy will focus on promoting healthy diets and physical activity in schoolchildren, Public Health Minister Nicola Blackwood said. She said primary schools would be asked to help pupils get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day. At least 30 minutes of this should be during school time, she said. (Reuters)

Britain launches soft drinks sugar tax to fight obesity

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