Key Strategies to Combat Obesity: Insights from a Recent Report

Obesity and overweight are escalating globally, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles and diets high in fats, sugars, and salts. Governments worldwide are implementing various measures to curb this trend, acknowledging the profound impact of obesity on health and healthcare systems.

strategies include:

1. Improved Nutritional Labeling: Clear and informative food labels help consumers make healthier choices, promoting awareness of nutritional content.
2. Restriction on PGSS Advertising: Prohibiting advertisements targeting children and adolescents for products high in fats, sugars, and salts aims to reduce unhealthy food consumption among youth.
3. Taxation on Sugary Drinks and PGSS: Levying taxes on sugary beverages and other unhealthy products discourages their consumption while potentially funding health initiatives or subsidizing healthier food options.

These findings were highlighted in a recent report by the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation, and Statistics (DREES), released on July 17, 2024. The report categorizes public policies according to their effectiveness in combating overweight and obesity.

In the realm of food policy, the DREES identifies bans on PGSS advertising aimed at youth, nutritional labeling enhancements, and taxes on sugary drinks as the most impactful measures. However, challenges persist, such as resistance from food manufacturers concerned about revenue losses and operational costs associated with implementing stricter regulations.

Regarding physical activity, the report recommends fostering partnerships between schools and sports clubs, enhancing sports infrastructure accessibility, and subsidizing sports memberships. Despite their potential health benefits, these initiatives pose economic challenges for governments due to initial costs, contrasting with long-term health gains.

The report also underscores mixed effectiveness in certain measures, such as informational campaigns and food budget management workshops, which face perceptions of ineffectiveness or intrusiveness. Initiatives like active breaks and nutritional education for youth are viewed positively but lack cohesive implementation and conclusive efficacy.

Overall, the DREES report advocates for a comprehensive approach integrating effective policy measures across nutrition, physical activity, and public awareness to combat obesity effectively while navigating economic and social challenges.