New OECD report - Oversee food and beverage marketing and adopt taxation
measures: the most effective means of preventing obesity

MONTREAL, Sept. 24 /CNW Telbec/ - The Collaborative Action on Childhood Obesity (CACO) coalition, comprised of six organizations working to reduce childhood obesity applaud the report published yesterday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on obesity and the economics of prevention.

"According to the report, one of the key actions should be the provision of intensive support by family physicians. Given the shortage of health care professionals and existing fiscal pressures on Canada's health care systems, this particular strategy may not prove realistic. However, taxation mechanisms and regulation of food and beverage advertising to children appear to be the best routes in terms of health benefits for the entire population", said Suzie Pellerin, Director of the Quebec Coalition on Weight Related Problems.

"The policy priorities set by our coalition are the most promising; effective regulation of food and beverage marketing aimed at children, and taxation of sugary drinks. These should also be adopted as priorities by governments across Canada. A tax on sugary drinks would generate income which should then be reinvested in prevention activities." says Dr. Tom Warshawski, President of the Childhood Obesity Foundation.

"According to the OECD, if Canada adopted a comprehensive and multi-sectoral plan of action to combat obesity, 40,000 deaths per year could be prevented. Intervention programs to help prevent chronic disease will reduce health care costs," said Craig Larsen, Executive Director of the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada.

About the Collaborative Action on Childhood Obesity
The CACO coalition's goal is to contribute to a reversal in the escalating trend in child and youth obesity by reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and screen-time by Canadian youth, decreasing the appeal and accessibility of unhealthy food choices, while improving the availability of healthy alternatives at participating schools. The coalition also works with First Nations partners to assist in redeveloping sustainable food strategies based on local traditional dietary practices.

To access the full report:
http://www.oecd.org/document/35/0,3343,en_21571361_44315115_46064099_1_1_1_1,00.html

For further information:

To reach Suzie Pellerin, Suzie Pellerin, Director of the Quebec Coalition on Weight Related Problems:
Mobile: [phone]

To reach Dr. Tom Warshawski, President of the Childhood Obesity Foundation:
Mobile: [phone]

To reach Craig Larsen, Executive Director of the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada:
Phone: [phone] ext 171
Mobile:[phone]