Confectionery, junk food, beer WHO demands less advertising for fattening

WHO calls for greater restrictions on fattening advertising

According to international studies, the number of obese children has increased dramatically. Obesity can cause a variety of diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people move more and eat more fruits and vegetables. It was also important to limit the advertising of fattening foods such as confectionery, junk food and beer more.

More and more obese children in Germany

According to the OECD, more and more obese people are living in Germany. Many children and adolescents are far too fat. Obesity can cause illnesses such as hypertension or diabetes already in adolescence. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) expert, the problem must be tackled more rigorously. In particular, the advertising of confectionery, junk food or beer must therefore be more limited.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), advertising for fatteners such as confectionery, junk food and beer should be significantly reduced. (Image: Myst / fotolia.com)

Advertising influences the eating habits of children

Scientific research has shown that advertising has a massive impact on children's eating habits and in many cases leads to obesity.

Above all, online advertising for unhealthy foods is critically eyed by the WHO.

"Advertising is not enough to encourage voluntary self-regulation by junkfood manufacturers," said nutritionist Juana Willumsen, WHO expert on childhood obesity, according to a news agency dpa.

"The advertising must be clearly regulated, compliance must be monitored and there must be penalties for violations," said the expert.

Beer advertising is not prohibited in Germany

According to Willumsen make beer particularly thick and advertising for it is not prohibited in Germany. Alcohol as a fattening is generally underestimated according to health experts.

In addition, alcohol advertising in TV seduces adolescents to drink.

The WHO recommends more school sports for children in general. In addition, should be promoted in urban planning running cycling and sports recreational activity.

According to the information, the consumption of fruit and vegetables by schoolchildren in Germany has fallen. Meanwhile, soft drink consumption is rising again after a decline.

Joint responsibility of the food industry

Foodwatch, the consumer organization, also believes that the food industry shares responsibility for child obesity and malnutrition, as it markets almost exclusively unbalanced products for children, such as sweets or salty-greasy snacks.

"This must be over," said Foodwatch spokesman Andreas Winkler, according to the German Press Agency.

"It's not about banishing sweets, but about protecting children from the attacks of industry." The policy must finally act.

"It is high time to make a healthy diet with fiscal measures," said Foodwatch CEO Martin Rücker in a statement calling for the abolition of VAT on fruit and vegetables.

Voluntary self-checks on advertising are rather inefficient. This was also shown by numerous studies. Frequently, confectionery and beverage and other junk food manufacturers have committed themselves to very limited restrictions.

Then, for example, advertising in cartoons or programs only for under five years waived. As Willumsen explained in the dpa message, young people "but until 16 are very prone to advertising, and they see other programs as well". (Ad)