News Release

Lancet editorial: Framework convention for obesity control urgently needed

Peer-Reviewed Publication

The Lancet_DELETED

The Lancet Editorial accompanying the Series makes an urgent call to establish a Framework Convention for Obesity Control, similar to the one currently in operation by WHO to reduce tobacco consumption.

The Editorial says: "There are five messages that need to form the basis of a concerted response. One, the obesity epidemic will not be reversed without government leadership. Two, business as usual would be costly in terms of population health, health care expenses, and loss of productivity. Three, assumptions about speed and sustainability of weight loss are wrong. Four, we need to accurately monitor and evaluate both basic population weight data and intervention outcomes. Five, a systems approach is needed with multiple sectors involved."

It concludes: "Sadly, the forthcoming high-level UN meeting on non-communicable diseases is marred by the reluctance of some to set targets. One immensely important next step in the fight against non-communicable diseases could be the agreement on a framework convention on obesity control. Who will take the lead?"

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