Ontario's doctors would like to congratulate NDP MPP Rosario Marchese, Trinity-Spadina, on the introduction of Consumer Protection Amendment Act (Protecting Children from Targeted Advertising of Unhealthy Food and Drink), which would limit commercial advertising for unhealthy food or drink directed at children under the age or 13.
Ontario's doctors have been vocal and strong advocates on the pressing need to fight childhood obesity for several years. In 2005, we recommended restricting advertising junk food to children. More recently, Ontario's doctors released their election platform Better care. Healthier patients. A stronger Ontario. Among the recommendations, we are calling for calorie labelling on menus at chain restaurants and school cafeterias, an education campaign to help inform Ontarians about the impact of caloric intake on weight gain and obesity, and mandatory physical education throughout high school.
Parents, teachers, physicians and public health specialists all influence the attitudes and behaviours of children related to nutrition - and Ontario's doctors believe there is a role for the government to play in supporting their efforts because the facts are staggering - 26% of Canadian children between two and 17 years of age are considered overweight (18%) or obese (8%). The trends regarding childhood obesity indicate that 75% of obese children will be obese adults.
Ontario's doctors are calling on all members of the Ontario legislature and other health professionals to join the fight against childhood obesity.
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