Obesity forum considers ban on fast food outlets near schools

A childhood obesity task force has set an ambitious target of reducing the average body mass index of children by 15 per cent, while increasing physical activity by the same amount by 2020.

A call to arms was sounded at Abu Dhabi Childhood Obesity Forum where international experts shared the latest findings and success stories in combating what has become a global epidemic.

Healthcare spending in the UAE is predicted to more than double to US$47.5 billion (Dh174.4bn) by 2040 as obesity levels increase, putting people more at risk of non-communicable diseases.

“The rate of obesity is expected to rise unless we undertake community and institutional interventions with all relevant parties to put an end to this increase and control this health problem,” said Sheikh Abdulla Al Hamed, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

Restrictions on fast food outlets near schools was one option being considered, after successful reports from the UK. Further restrictions on junkfood advertising aimed at children and traffic-light labelling for the nutritional content of food are also being considered for an Abu Dhabi action plan, with red signalling foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

The two-day forum is being held at the Sofitel in Abu Dhabi with more than 300 delegates attending from 12 government agencies and nine private organisations.

“We are looking at the UK and USA plans as to how this issue is being targeted, so we can take a combination of the best approaches,” said Omniyat Al Hajeri, director of public health at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.

“We will be establishing specific key performance indicators so we can monitor the progress of the plan to reduce childhood obesity. The idea is to have measurable outcomes during this process.

“We recognise that obesity is a social and a health problem and there needs to be a large intervention in the community to help children.”

Among other practical steps being explored are regulating the intake of calories and sugar among children, and reducing their access to products with high sugar and calorie content.

Long term, Abu Dhabi hopes to introduce innovations in developing healthier products for children, using advances in science and technology to make products that are nutritionally good for children, while also appealing in terms of taste.

One of the successful projects adopted in the UK that was taken up for discussion as a proposal in the UAE is restrictions on fast food outlets in close proximity to schools.

“We are testing the ground in this area, but this kind of decision needs political and economic support,” Ms Al Hajeri said. “It is a decision that will need to be taken at federal level. We have some drastic suggestions. This is the time to take brave decisions.

“We are not looking at necessarily making fast food more expensive, but we want healthy food to be more accessible and affordable.

“Advertising will play a big role in this, and encourage kids to make the right choices. It needs to be a drastic change; this is a global issue.”

Findings from successful campaigns in the UK, Sweden, The Netherlands and Mexico were presented at the forum with insights focusing on the early years as a key stage to promote healthy eating and activities that can be maintained beyond childhood.

The fight against childhood obesity is important not just in terms of health, but also because of the financial costs.

It was estimated the NHS in England spent close to Dh25bn on obesity-related illnesses (children and adults) in 2015.

“We have started to see success in the nutrition in schools, but it is also important to look at the wider environment that children are exposed to that is contributing to the food choices they are making,” said Robin Ireland, director of research at the Health Equalities Group UK, which specialises in tobacco and diet control.

“In England the message has started to be delivered, with some local authorities working with planning boards to ensure no fast food restaurants are allowed to open within 400 metres of a school.

“The staff in school also need to be aware of how to create a healthy eating environment.”