Statement on Childhood Obesity Awareness Month: Ontario's doctors

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors would like to congratulate Liberal MPP Soo Wong, Scarborough-Agincourt, on her private member's resolution to make the month of May, Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, part of the government's childhood obesity strategy.

For the past three years, Ontario's doctors have been sounding the alarm about the growing obesity epidemic in the province because the facts are staggering. 

In fact, just last week, Ontario's doctors called on the government to demonstrate the same resolve and commitment they did when they were stomping out tobacco, and apply those efforts to tackling obesity rates. Since the initial warnings about the health effects of tobacco and related illness, it has taken over 45 years to achieve the reduced smoking rates we see today. When it comes to childhood obesity - we cannot wait.

Ontario's doctors have already released a plan and are urging the government and all parties to implement the following initiatives:

• Legislation that would require calorie contents be listed adjacent to the items on menus and menu boards at chain restaurants and school cafeterias;
• An education campaign to help inform Ontarians about the impact of caloric intake on weight and obesity;
• The development of a childhood obesity strategy complete with targets and indicators; and
• Making physical activity/education mandatory throughout high school.

Today, Ontario's doctors are calling on all members of the Ontario legislature to support the member's resolution and join the fight against childhood obesity.

Stewart Kennedy, MD
President, Ontario Medical Association

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