(February 9th, 2016, New York, USA) – Vital Strategies today joined calls for global action to implement policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, particularly in low and middle income countries seeing a rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related disease.
Vital Strategies experts contributed information and insight to a report, “Carbonating the World”, published today by the Centre for Science in the Public Interest. The report details increasing levels of obesity and obesity-related disease around the world, and examines the role played by the marketing practices of major vendors of sugar-sweetened beverages. Echoing the activities of the tobacco industry, companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are investing tens of millions of dollars in increasing sales in fast-growing developing nations, with a specific objective of targeting youth.
The report recommends a raft of measures to halt this burgeoning global health crisis, including taxes on unhealthy products, bans on marketing to children, limits on the availability, size and sugar content of sugar-sweetened beverages and awareness campaigns to advocate for change among policy-makers and consumers.
José Luis Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vital Strategies, said: “The problem of childhood obesity is one of the greatest threats to public health. Obese children are more likely to be obese adults, who are more likely to suffer obesity-related disease and premature death. Even when these companies say they don’t specifically target children, it is impossible for a child to avoid in-store promotions and ads on TV, billboards, public transport, the internet and other media. The report reveals statements from Coca-Cola and PepsiCo that show they are very aware of the effect of their marketing tactics on young people – exposing the reality behind their arguments for self-regulation.
“In too many developing economies, one form of malnutrition – hunger – is being replaced by another – obesity, driven by overconsumption of cheap, empty calories – with devastating consequences for global health and national economies. As “Carbonating the World” points out, the global annual cost to health services from type 2 diabetes alone is projected to rise to $700 billion by 2020 and the World Bank estimates that economic losses to poorer countries due to NCDs will exceed $30 trillion over the next two decades. In consequence, governments may have less money to pay for public health, while the funds they do have are diverted from other public health priorities to deal with obesity-related disease – again impeding progress towards the health-related goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“For our part, Vital Strategies stands ready to help governments build strong public health systems and implement policies to reduce the health and economic burden of obesity-related disease.”
Rebecca Perl, Director of Partnerships and Initiatives at Vital Strategies said, “Vital Strategies was delighted to contribute to this report that raises awareness of the terrible toll of obesity-related disease – and the role played by certain food and beverage companies. To meet global targets to reduce the burden of NCDs, every government has an urgent obligation to address the causes of obesity in their own country.
“Our experience in tobacco control shows that pricing and tax policy is a win-win strategy. Higher cost reduces the number of consumers purchasing unhealthy products like tobacco and the revenue raised can be used to fund health programs. What’s more, pricing and tax increases have the greatest impact on consumption among the least affluent, who suffer the most from economic losses and premature death as a result of obesity-related disease. Awareness campaigns also play a key role in increasing support for such policies, once people understand the health risks.
“Mexico, one of the countries with the greatest burdens, is to be congratulated for leading the way in introducing a soda tax, following robust advocacy from El Poder del Consumidor, among others. Our campaigns that supported El Poder’s work in Mexico successfully helped introduce a soda tax and a ban on marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children.”
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies envisions a world where every person is protected by a strong public health system. Our team combines evidence-based strategies with innovation to help develop sound public health policies, manage programs efficiently, strengthen data systems, conduct research, and design strategic communication campaigns for policy and behavior change. Vital Strategies was formed when The Union North America and World Lung Foundation joined forces. It is an affiliate of The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union). For more information, please visit vitalstrategies.org or Twitter @VitalStrat
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Tracey Johnston, Vital Strategies, at +44.7889.081.170 or tjohnston@vitalstrategies.org