McGILL HEALTH CHALLENGE THINK TANK TACKLES GROWING PROBLEM OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Childhood obesity was the topic of the 2007 McGill Health Challenge Think Tank in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Specifically, the annual gathering explored potential changes that could be made to local and global food chains as a means to provide children with access to healthier diets. The formal theme was “Way Forward Towards ‘Health-Friendly’ Local and Global Food Chains”.

President-elect Pekka Puska and Chief Operating Officer Helen Alderson represented the World Heart Federation. Serving as co-chair for the second consecutive year was the Global Alliance for the Prevention of Obesity and Related Chronic Diseases, of which the World Heart Federation is a founding member.

Dr Puska delivered the opening keynote address entitled, “Ways Forward and Capacity Building for Better Convergence Between Health, Economy and Culture along Local and Global Food Chains”.

Ms Alderson presented the World Heart Federation’s youth health education partnership with Sesame Workshop in Colombia. The formal title of her presentation, which she delivered with Ilana Umansky of Sesame Workshop, was “Multi-sector Innovation and Partnership in the Global Arena: The World Heart Federation Visits Sesame Street”.

Among the many other distinguished presenters were Philip James, founder and chair of the International Obesity Task Force; Derek Yach, director for health and wellness at PepsiCo; and Joe Clark, former prime minister of Canada.

Complexity of problem a recurring theme

One recurring theme was the complexity of the problem of childhood obesity and the failure to distill it into simple and clear messages for effective action.

Dr Puska said the growing problem of childhood obesity called for “profound changes” and was “among the greatest challenges of contemporary public health”.

As to whether restrictions or positive incentives should be applied to increase the consumption of healthier, less energy-dense foods, Dr Puska said that both were needed.

A priority should be placed on effective policy actions, he said, adding that the World Health Organization should lead at the global level in collaboration with other UN bodies and in interaction with international organizations, industry and the media.

Tobacco control experience relevant

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has demonstrated that international legal frameworks can be relevant.

 “There is a proliferation of global health initiatives and resources,” Dr Puska said. “Strengthened work is needed that targets major global health problems in a more coordinated way – in which the World Health Organization shows strong leadership, together with global partnership.”

Dr Puska added, “The key and the challenge is to mobilize people for such social change that leads to effective policies and responses by the industry that, in turn, support needed changes.”

Next year’s McGill Health Challenge Think Tank will focus on the other half of the prevention equation to combat childhood obesity: encouraging physical activity.

Visit the McGill Health Challenge Think Tank.