If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Food Industry Tactics - Like Tobacco Industry Tactics?
Tobacco and Obesity Epidemics: Not So different After All?
BMJ volume 328, pp 1558-60 Global strategies similar to those used against the tobacco industry are needed to tackle the obesity epidemic, argue researchers in this week's British Medical Journal (BMJ) [24 June 2004]. Diets across the globe are being shaped by a concentrated and gloval food industry that is fiercely resisting public health attempts to promote healthy eating, write the authors. The food industry tactics are similar to those used by the tobacco industry - supplying misinformation, use of supposedly conflicting evidence and hiding negative data. Firstly, there is the half true contention that there is no such thing as an unhealthy food, only unhealthy diets. Secondly, the industry contends that the problem is not the excessive diet, but the reduction in physical activity. Thirdly, the industry uses a smoke screen of apparently conflicting scientific data about sugars and different types of fat. "Although scientific knowledge is still incomplete, it is less divided than the industry would have the public believe," say the authors. Advocates for tobacco control have used a variety of tactics in their campaign that could have relevance for the fight against unhealthy diets, suggest the authors. "It will be much more difficult to establish internationally binding instruments or conventions like those achieved in toabcco control. Nevertheless, their importance in bringing about changes in national behavior should not be under-rated," they say. Potential international standards might cover issues such as marketing restrictions for unhealthy food products, restrictions ofn the advertising and availability of unhealthy products in schools, or potential price or tax measures to reduce the demand for unhealthy products. "The public attention generated by the discussion and formulation of such standards may set general standards for corporate conduct without being potentially unacceptable and even generate enough political capital for national legislation," they conclude. Contact: Emma Diskinson: 44-204-383-6529 BMJ-British Medical Journal --------------------------------------------- A little old, but still interesting. Anybody have direct access to the BMJ to read the actual text and any follow-up since publication? -- ................................ Keepsake gift for young girls. Unique and personal one-of-a-kind. Builds strong minds 12 ways. Guaranteed satisfaction - courteous money back - keep bonus gifts http://www.alicebook.com |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Super Size Me | Tom | Low Carbohydrate Diets | 74 | October 12th, 2004 06:58 PM |
_Keeping it off_ book | Roger Zoul | General Discussion | 42 | September 12th, 2004 02:19 PM |
"Food for Fuel" vs. "Food is LOVE & Food is FUN" | vlcd_hell | General Discussion | 14 | February 15th, 2004 04:15 PM |
Article: Fat ousts tobacco as a threat to life | Carol Frilegh | General Discussion | 0 | February 11th, 2004 12:48 PM |
New Target of the Food Police (CSPI) | jmk | General Discussion | 74 | December 24th, 2003 02:40 AM |