Doc. 11341

2 July 2007

Prevention of obesity and promotion of healthy nutrition habits among children and the young

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mrs Asko-Seljavaara and others

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified obesity as one of the biggest threats to human health. Worldwide there are now more people who are overweight than underweight. Globally the incidence of obesity has risen over the past 30 years and the same applies to the incidence of associated diseases, for example diabetes type 2. The increase of nutrition related diseases is alarming. Lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets have been identified as the leading causes of avoidable illnesses. A new positive approach towards a more balanced and health promoting nutrition is needed. Healthy dietary habits should be stressed as one of the primary health care factor.

The development of the eating habits of young people is particularly disturbing. Therefore we need to focus i.a. on the promotion of healthy nutrition habits of children and the young.

Healthy dietary habits should in particular be emphasized in schools as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Education about healthy eating should be given to all children and the possibilities of receiving healthy and balanced meals at school should be promoted in co-operation between the schools and the authorities concerned.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should

-       draw up an outline of health behaviour and nutrition among school-age children (to increase the consumption of vegetables, fruit and fibers versus purified sugar, and to reduce consumption of high energy fat products);

-       draw up a programme to help schools develop teaching in nutrition and healthy dietary habits, and to provide healthy school meals to all children;

-       identify actions which are needed to promote healthy eating habits as part of social strategies in Council of Europe member countries.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed ¹:

ASKO-SELJAVAARA Sirpa, Finland, EPP/CD

BERCEANU Radu Mircea, Romania, EPP/CD

FERNÁNDEZ AGUILAR Adolfo, Spain, EPP/CD

FOSS Per-Kristian, Norway, EPP/CD

GLESENER Marcel, Luxembourg, EPP/CD

HERKEL Andres, Estonia, EPP/CD

HURSKAINEN Sinikka, Finland, SOC

KANELLOPOULOU Krinio, Greece, EPP/CD

LAAKSO Jaakko, Finland, UEL

LAUKKANEN Markku, Finland, ALDE

MAISSEN Theo, Switzerland, EPP/CD

PREDA Cezar Florin, Romania, EPP/CD

SASI Kimmo, Finland, EPP/CD

UKKOLA Tuulikki, Finland, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group