Ontario's Doctors encouraged by obesity report

TORONTO, March 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are very encouraged by the release of "No Time to Wait: The Healthy Kids Strategy" report, and would like to congratulate members of the Healthy Kids' Panel for their work on this crucial health issue.

The OMA would especially like to add its support to the panel recommendations on restrictions in the marketing of junk food to kids, which we have called for since 2005, and more in-school physical education and calorie labelling in restaurants, which Ontario's doctors first recommended in 2009. In addition, in October 2012, Ontario's doctors advocated for tax incentives to encourage healthy food choices, and graphic warning labels on high-calorie, low-nutrition foods.

Ontario's doctors look forward to working with government, the food and restaurant industry and other health sector partners toward the implementation of programs and policies that help to tackle childhood obesity.

Quick Facts:

• Recent Statistic Canada figures, based on World Health Organisation criteria, show that the true number of overweight or obese children in Canada is higher than originally believed - from 26 to 31.5 percent of the population of 5-to 17-year olds
• Obesity costs Ontario $2.2 to $2.5 billion per year.
• 75 percent of obese children become obese adults

Quote:

"Parents need better information so that they can make healthy choices for their kids. Since calories are key to understanding weight gain, the recommendation to provide calorie counts on restaurant menus will help everybody."

Dr. Doug Weir
President
Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 2862
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