Big Way Of Life

A report in the Lancet medical journal has blasted the introduction of voluntary food industry codes as ineffectual in the fight against obesity. Instead, it argues, ministers should intervene directly.

"Without prevention and control of the risk factors for obesity now, health systems will be overwhelmed to breaking point," the editorial says. "Yet governments' reactions so far are wholly inadequate and rely heavily on self-regulation by the food and beverage industry, and the so-called nudge approach."

The journal carries four new research papers charting the causes, implications, and ways of tackling the "global obesity pandemic".

One study, by Claire Wang of Columbia University's school of public health, predicts that by 2030 48% of British men could be obese (the figure currently stands at 26%). Among women, obesity could rise from 26% to 43%.

Another paper points the finger of blame firmly at the global food industry, while a study by Steven Gortmaker of Harvard University's school of public health, compares the failure of governments to take decisive action on the issue with past struggles to combat tobacco consumption.

Gortmaker goes on to suggest eight policies that could tackle the problem, including taxing unhealthy food and drink and shielding children from TV advertising.

You can read the whole series of reports here: http://www.thelancet.com/series/obesity