Big business adds its support to battle against childhood obesity

Private sector groups say they are committed to helping governments tackle the problem of global childhood obesity.

While advertising of fast food is already banned in television programmes aimed at children under 12, the rise of social media and on-demand viewing services has made it a difficult area to control.

But representatives of big business, yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Childhood Obesity Forum, threw their support behind the Government’s three-year plan to reduce the average weight of children.

“We all know obesity is on the rise and that associated non-communicable diseases will cost US$30 trillion (Dh110.1tn) to treat over the next 20 years,” said Christine Greaves, the Middle East representative of the International Food and Beverage Association, which includes the multinational groups McDonalds, Nestle, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo and Mars.

“We also know the private sector has a role to play in driving down the prevalence of obesity and diabetes.

“Since 2009, the IFBA has been committed to reformulate products to support improving diets, providing clear fact-based nutritional information for consumers and extend responsible advertising towards children.

“Since 2014 we have reinforced our commitment to raise awareness on balanced diets and increased levels of physical activity. We want more local companies in the UAE to commit to this cause.”

Companies represented by the IFBA aim to reduce sodium, sugar and saturated fats in their products.

In 2009, the association made a pledge in the GCC to not advertise products to children under the age of 12, unless they meet specific nutrition criteria.

The Department of Health, in co-operation with the Abu Dhabi Children’s Obesity Task Force, has developed a comprehensive plan to reduce obesity.