Eating disorders are a priority public health problem, and especially is childhood obesity, which has multiplied by 10 in the last 40 years, so much so that it is already considered the "epidemic of the 21st century." Effective measures are required to promote healthy eating habits and Andalusia has just taken a very important step To help improve the health of children and the population in general, we hope that it will lead the way to the rest of the Autonomous Communities.
The Andalusian Government Council has just approved a preliminary bill to regulate the fight against obesity. It is a pioneer law in our country, which among other forceful measures, prohibits the sale of products such as buns or soft drinks with more than 200 calories in schools.
First Law against Obesity
The bill seeks to give "the maximum regulatory range" to the fight against obesity, and is focused on promoting good eating habits in the entire population, but especially in children, one of the most worrying sectors, since 23% of Andalusian children are overweight, almost one in four children.
The Law for the Promotion of a Healthy Life and a Balanced Diet, a pioneer in our country, will now be subject to debate in the regional Parliament with unprecedented measures.
Up to 250 groups have participated in its elaboration, from associations of parents of schools to food entrepreneurs, restaurants or consumer associations.
Students will not be able to acquire in schools food whose energy value exceeds 200 kilocalories or contain caffeine or similar stimulants.Nor will they be sold in schools products that contain a high content of saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, salt or sugars, or caffeine or other stimulants. In addition, secondary schools will have to visualize the amount of net calories per packaged portion of the products they offer both in their vending machines and in their catering areas.
Other measures of the Law against obesity in Andalusia:
In addition to those just mentioned, there are other measures included in the bill aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as:
- All public places, educational centers and children's leisure centers must offer free drinking water.
- Schools must use local and regional products to ensure healthy menus.
- Companies with more than 50 employees must have a parking for bicycles.
- Schools must give at least five effective weekly hours of physical activity, which constitutes together with healthy eating, a key area to fight overweight.
- The catering establishments must have menus of different portion sizes.
- It will launch initiatives for the distribution of fruits and vegetables and student participation in school gardens.
- Limit children's advertising of fatty foods and non-alcoholic beverages aimed at children under 15 years.
WHO has given clues to end childhood obesity, but the truth is that it is everyone's job, from school, family to institutions and governments. Everyone must be involved jointly and in the same direction in the fight against overweight.
Andalusia takes a giant first step in this direction. Hopefully set an example and that The rest of the communities take note to combat overweight and obesity in children, which are also a serious risk factor for developing other related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and high triglycerides.
