Press Release: Health – Renewed Commitment of Stakeholders to Combat Overweight and Obesity-Related Health Issues

Over half the EU adult population is now overweight or obese according to the "Health at a Glance: Europe 2010" report published by the European Commission and the OECD on 7 December. The European-level umbrella organisations, ranging from the food industry, health organisations and other civil society NGOs, who are members of the European Commission's Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health agreed to step up action to tackle the growing problem of overweight and obesity related health problems. The members committed to boosting activities that contribute to the objectives of the Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues by 2013. Priorities focus on children and how to make healthy choices available whilst also encouraging physical activity and sports. Action will target vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents and low socio-economic groups. The need to improve existing commitments in product composition for healthier food and in advertising and marketing to children was also highlighted.