This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified obesity
as one of the biggest threats to human health. Worldwide there are
now more people who are overweight than underweight.
There is an increasing focus on children’s nutritional habits.
In this respect, the school plays an important role. The development
of bad eating habits by young people and therefore the increase
of nutrition-related diseases is alarming. Globally, the incidence
of obesity and associated diseases, for example, type 2 diabetes,
has risen over the past 30 years.
Public health and especially the health of children and the
young must be protected. Poor excessive food and lack of physical
activity are the leading causes of illnesses which are avoidable.
A new positive approach to balanced health by promoting nutrition
is needed and diet should be stressed as one of the primary health-care factors.
Healthy eating should in particular be emphasised in schools as
an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should:
draw up an outline of healthy
behaviour and nutrition among school-age children (increase vegetables, fruit,
and fibre consumption and reduce purified sugar and consumption
of high energy fat products);
draw up a simple, consumer-friendly system for food labelling;
support the implementation of responsible advertising
practices for energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, targeted at children;
encourage structured, regular access to physical activity
for children within the school system;
identify actions needed to promote healthy eating habits
in social strategies in all Council of Europe countries.
