Obesity levels are rising worldwide, with more people now overweight than undernourished. In Australia, two-thirds of adults and one-quarter of children are overweight or obese. Research released this month shows the major risk factor in Australia is now poor diet, and most people do not achieve the recommended daily intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Food companies have an incredible degree of influence on what we eat, when, and how much. Our diets are influenced by the environments we live in. What's on the supermarket shelves, what's advertised on TV and what our friends eat are critical influences to what we eat.
Increasing globalisation of the processed food and beverage market means that a relatively small number of global corporations exert substantial political influence on our food environment and shape our attitudes to food at an individual level.
This influence is perhaps most noticeable when it is aimed at children. Parents are familiar with the "pester power" incited by sweets at supermarket checkouts, high sugar cereals at the eye level of four-year-olds in the aisles, and the chocolate fundraiser.
Reversing the impact isn't going to be easy. However, a concerted effort is needed by the government to take active steps to improve health. Basic measures such as providing clear information on packaging, ensuring transparency around industry lobbying and protecting children from direct marketing of junk food would be a good start.
Food companies have an incredible degree of influence on what we eat, when, and how much. Our diets are influenced by the environments we live in. What's on the supermarket shelves, what's advertised on TV and what our friends eat are critical influences to what we eat.
Increasing globalisation of the processed food and beverage market means that a relatively small number of global corporations exert substantial political influence on our food environment and shape our attitudes to food at an individual level.
This influence is perhaps most noticeable when it is aimed at children. Parents are familiar with the "pester power" incited by sweets at supermarket checkouts, high sugar cereals at the eye level of four-year-olds in the aisles, and the chocolate fundraiser.
Reversing the impact isn't going to be easy. However, a concerted effort is needed by the government to take active steps to improve health. Basic measures such as providing clear information on packaging, ensuring transparency around industry lobbying and protecting children from direct marketing of junk food would be a good start.
You are what you absorb.