United against obesity

Lectures on educating people about health and fighting obesity in Europe have been delivered at the conference held by the Food, Lifestyle, Exercise (TÉT) Platform. TÉT is an organisation for accommodating all initiatives aimed at making our lifestyles healthier. The Hungarian platform is headed by dr. Ildikó Fazekas, who gave an account of the results achieved in 2007, including the introduction of labelling with Recommended Daily Allowances. Governmental and industrial organisations like Campden&Chorleywood Kht., Coca-Cola, Danone, EüM, Éfosz, FVM, OÉTI also participated in the introduction of RDA. At the moment, RDA labelling is used on the products of eight Hungarian companies and those of McDonalds. TÉT also organises educational programs for young people. Emese Antal, president of the National Association of Hungarian Dieticians spoke about their experience with such projects. 264 primary schools and 30-40 other institutions are using the information supplied by the Platform at present. Sarolta Monspart from OEFI spoke about projects targeted at working adults. In 2007, only six nation-wide programs existed, which means there is still a lot to be done. Philippe Roux, deputy head of department from the Consumer Protection Directorate of the EU spoke about similar projects in the EU. His organisation is not only involved in educational activities but also research and consulting in the field of food safety. Professor Paul Gately, who specialises in childhood obesity and exercise also attended the conference. He spoke about the obesity crisis of the West. He believes that obesity is a growing problem for both health care and the economy. Patrick O’Quin, head of the Danone group, spoke about the historical background of voluntary RDA labelling and its economic effects. Louise Sullivan, head of the Nutrition and Health Foundation in Ireland spoke about their experience.