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ZURICH, Switzerland, Jun 26, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- The World Health Organization is shifting its attention from global tobacco sales to what it sees as another major health threat: obesity.
Officials of the health agency have been conferring with governments, trade and consumer groups and food industry executives for recommendations on how to control the sale of fatty, sugary, salty and high-calorie foods, the New York Times reported.
On June 17, the agency's officials met with representatives of industry giants like Unilever, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Nestle and McDonald's. The purpose was to get their ideas on how to encourage consumers to adopt a more healthful diet.
It was the last of a string of round-table discussions the United Nations health body has organized with governments, food executives, trade associations, agricultural groups and consumers asking for their input in creating strategies to help the world eat healthier and exercise more.
"Obesity is all over the world," said Kaare Norum, a professor of medicine at Oslo's s Institute for Nutrition Research.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
