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Monday, March 03, 2003

Food Again Under the Microscope


Even though it is stating the obvious, I think its well worth doing. You are what you eat, as they say, and this WHO report is timely and to the point.

Processed foods are to blame for the sharp rise in obesity levels and chronic disease around the globe, according to the World Health Organization. In a report published on Monday, it urged people to cut their intake of such foods, which are often high in saturated fats, sugar and salt. The team of international scientists, who compiled the report, said eating more fruit and vegetables and exercising more were the best way to protect against chronic disease. The scientists have set out new guidelines for healthy eating. These will be adopted by WHO as part of its new global strategy to reduce heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and dental disease. The panel have urged people to eat a healthy balanced diet and to limit their intake of salt, sugar and saturated fats. They warned that chronic diseases are caused not only be overeating but also by eating too much of the wrong types of food. They also blamed changing lifestyles with fewer family meals eaten together and more children watching television or playing on computers rather than being outside. The problem is particularly acute among people living in cities who, the reports says, are more likely to be exposed to "energy-dense" food and take less exercise.
Source: BBC News
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