European regulators should avoid excessive legislation when trying to tackle obesity

Nov 24 2004

European regulators should avoid excessive legislation when trying to tackle the increasing problem of overweight groups in their population, according to a new study by Austrian researchers published today by the Brussels think-tank the European Enterprise Institute (EEI).

The report was presented by Dr. Kunze yesterday at the EEI event "Europe XXL - How to deal with Obesity at a European level?" during which a select audience of Brussels policymakers also heard views from Swedish Moderate MEP Christofer Fjellner and European retailers represented by Fons Schmid, Executive VP of Dutch retailer Ahold.

"Obesity - epidemiology, pathogenesis, therapy and prevention" authored by Univ.Prof.Dr.med. Michael Kunze based at the Center of Public Health at the Medical University of Vienna, suggests regulators should not target specific foods with high fat or sugar contents. Instead emphasis should be put on a general reduction of energy intake through moderately sized portions, a varied and healthy diet combined with physical exercise.

There is no easy solution to the obesity problem. The only healthy way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. Eliminating specific foods will not yield the desired results and may even be unhealthy in the long term, says Dr. Michael Kunze.

Mr. Fons Schmid, who served as Chairman of the European retailers' (Eurocommerce) Food Policy & Consumers Committee noted that industry and retailers have a responsibility to work alongside national and European regulators in promoting a voluntary plan of action if Europeans are to succeed in getting slimmer. Mr. Schmid stated that he was confident such a European consensus could be achieved and the direct use of legislation avoided.

MEP Christofer Fjellner who sits on the European Parliament Health committee pointed out that recent films such as 'Supersize Me' should not in itself give European regulators cause to increase the burden of regulation. Preference should be given to education, according to MEP Fjellner, who added that "rather than encouraging the prevalent ideology of its-somebody-else's-fault, people should be given a clear choice -- through clear labeling and better education in schools and at home."

The European Enterprise Institute (EEI) is a Brussels-based think tank aiming to promote entrepreneurship in the EU policy community and to provide a platform for the ideas and philosophy of entrepreneurship throughout Europe. The EEI seeks to strengthen the network of likeminded think tanks and people and foster the Euro-Atlantic dialogue. Read more on http://www.eei-net.org