ONE becomes weary of reading the same arguments and supposed solutions about conquering obesity when, time and again, they ignore some crucial facts and the real way to solve the obesity crisis. In Vicky Allan's article (The latest pandemic facing world health, News, April 9), Professor Peter Piot is quoted saying, "you need to involve industry", adding that in two other "success stories", the smoking ban and legislation involving seat-belts in cars and helmets for those on motorbikes, "people object at first, but then it becomes normal". The following week, Lovina Roe writes, "one further suggestion concerns portion size" (Letters, April 16) and last week (Voices on ... diet drinks, Editorial, April 23), there is more mention of artificial sweeteners and possible links with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Although industry could be doing more, it is by no means essential. The power is in the hands of the people. It is up to them whether they choose to use it. If people stop buying unheathy drinks (and foods), the industry won't keep on manufacturing them, at least not in such vast quantities; they will continue to cater for those who insist on consuming unhealthy options.
Meanwhile, the elephant is still in the room, ie animal foods, including dairy products, the main cause of obesity. Instead of repeating the fizzy drinks/sugar mantra, Prof. Piot and other health professionals and indeed, members of the public who are genuinely concerned about obesity and the drinks and foods that are best for their and their children's health, would do well to become aware of what other voices are saying. The media can - and should - play its part by making these other views. There are many 'alternative' sources'; the following are four excellent starters which are essential, whether one is interested in the ethical, health and/or environmental issues, all of which are available on line:
Among them is the documentary film, Earthlings, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, covers the ethical issues and has changed the lives of many, for example, the snooker player, Peter Ebdon, who said: "Somebody recommended I watch Earthlings. I did and I thought, 'That's it. I'm vegan. I can't knowingly, consciously be part of that any more. If you're a compassionate human being, watch that and there's no going back.".
Sandra Busell, Edinburgh
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