Veganism could be obesity beater

ONE becomes weary of reading the same arguments and supposed solutions about conquering obesity when, time and again, they ignore some crucial facts and the real way to solve the obesity crisis.

In Vicky Allan’s article (The latest pandemic facing world health, News, April 9), Professor Peter Piot is quoted saying “you need to involve industry”, adding that in two other “success stories”, the smoking ban and legislation involving seat-belts in cars and helmets for those on motorbikes, “people object at first, but then it becomes normal”.

The following week, Lovina Roe writes “one further suggestion concerns portion size” (Letters, April 16) and last week (Voices on ... diet drinks, Editorial, April 23), there is more mention of artificial sweeteners and possible links with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Although industry could be doing more, it is by no means essential. The power is in the hands of the people if they choose to use it. If people stop buying unhealthy drinks (and foods), the industry won’t keep on manufacturing them.

Meanwhile, the elephant is still in the room, ie animal foods, including dairy products, the main cause of obesity. Instead of repeating the fizzy drinks/sugar mantra, Prof Piot and other health professionals – and the media – would do well to become aware of what others are saying. Among them is the documentary film Earthlings, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and covering ethical issues – it has changed the lives of many, for example, the snooker player Peter Ebdon who said: “Somebody recommended I watch Earthlings. I did and I thought, ‘That’s it. I’m vegan. I can’t knowingly, consciously be part of that any more. If you’re a compassionate human being, watch that and there’s no going back.”. Sandra Busell Edinburgh