EU wades into the obesity debate

The European Commission is threatening to use a heavy hand against the food and drink industry if does not make an attempt to help in the obesity crisis.

With more than half of Europe's population now overweight, Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou says Europe needs healthier food and stronger advertising codes.

He is urging the food and drink industry to act voluntarily before a review in 2010 which will decide whether new laws are needed.

Mr Kyprianou says the figures are frightening as more than 50% of the adult population is overweight or obese.

The commission will make proposals later this year on labelling food, to help consumers make healthy choices.

EU statistics show that over 21 million children are also overweight and Mr Kyprianou says the rate of increase among children is more than 400,000 per year which is a concern as such children will be tomorrow's adults with chronic illnesses.

Although some progress has been made in reducing the level of fats and salt in food, this is not enough says Mr Kyprianou.

The commission is also proposing programmes to promote consumption of fruit and vegetables, and for sport and physical activity to be re-introduced in schools.

A high level panel with a representative from every member state, will be created to encourage the exchange of best practice.

The commission says poor diets and low levels of physical activity account for six of the seven leading risk factors for ill health in Europe.

The World Health Organization says the prevalence of obesity has more than trebled in many European countries since the 1980s.