European Charter – Counteracting Obesity

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The Charter states: ”Visible progress, especially relating to children and adolescents, should be achievable in most countries in the next 4-5 years and it should be possible to reverse the trend by 2015 at the latest”. The charter calls for a focus on children and action that encourages them to establish healthy habits early in life, as well as protecting them from commercial promotion of energy-dense food and beverage. The Charter details other key action needed to encourage healthier diets and more physical activity, reducing the amount of fat, sugar and salt in manufactured products; promoting cycling and walking through better urban design and transport policies and establishing opportunities for daily physical activity and for good nutrition and physical education in schools.

The charter was developed through an open consultation process, driven by Member States and involving different government sectors, international organizations, experts, civil society and the private sector.

During the WHO European Ministerial Conference on Counteracting Obesity, 15-17 November, 2006 in Istanbul, Turkey, a review of evidence-based and multi-sectoral policies was undertaken. It was also the opportunity to promote national action and strengthen international collaboration. A charter was signed by the WHO Director Regional for Europe and the Minister of Health of the Republic of Turkey on behalf of all the Member states in the WHO European Region.

At the end of the conference, it was stressed that the charter should be use as a tool by Member States to implement effective action and representatives of the Civil Society called upon the Member States to turn the Charter into concrete actions.