Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Senate Committee Urges Overhaul Of Canada's Food Guide To Combat Obesity

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2016 11:25 AM
    OTTAWA — Canada's Food Guide should be urgently overhauled to reflect current scientific evidence, a Senate committee report warned Tuesday.
     
    "Several witnesses suggested that Canada's Food Guide has been at best ineffective and at worst enabling with respect to the rising levels of unhealthy weights and diet-related chronic diseases in Canada," the report said.
     
    It recommended the revised food guide make strong statements about restricting consumption of highly processed foods.
     
    The report also suggested the government should consider a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and a ban on advertising food and drinks to children.
     
    Committee chair Sen. Kelvin Ogilvie said obesity is a crucial determinant of serious health issues and declining quality of life.
     
    "We can't sugar-coat it any longer," Ogilvie said at an event an Ottawa YMCA. "The obesity crisis is real."
     
    A significant reduction in sugar consumption would go a long way toward promoting normal body weight and improved health, he added.
     
    The report follows a study conducted by the committee between February 2014 and June 2015.
     
    The committee conclusions also painted a picture of soaring obesity rates.
     
    The number of obese adults has doubled in Canada since 1980 while the number of obese children has tripled, the report noted.
     
    Each year 48,000 to 66,000 Canadians die from conditions linked to excess weight, it added.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    5 Things To Know About The Mosquito Villain In Zika Outbreaks

    5 Things To Know About The Mosquito Villain In Zika Outbreaks
    NEW YORK — Behind the tropical disease outbreaks that have exploded in Latin America is a tiny menace that just won't go away.

    5 Things To Know About The Mosquito Villain In Zika Outbreaks

    Research begins into possibility of a vaccine for Zika virus

    Research begins into possibility of a vaccine for Zika virus
    WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is beginning research into a possible vaccine for the mosquito-borne Zika virus that is suspected of causing an unusual birth defect as it spreads in Latin America.

    Research begins into possibility of a vaccine for Zika virus

    Much Yet To Know About Women's Heart, Says PIO Cardiologist

    Much Yet To Know About Women's Heart, Says PIO Cardiologist
    The American Heart Association (AHA) has for the first time issued a scientific statement on female heart attacks, underscoring knowledge gaps and outlining the priority steps needed to better understand and treat heart disease in women.

    Much Yet To Know About Women's Heart, Says PIO Cardiologist

    What To Know About The Tropical Zika Virus In Latin America

    What To Know About The Tropical Zika Virus In Latin America
    The mosquito-borne Zika virus usually causes a mild illness but is now suspected in an unusual birth defect and possibly other health issues. Some things to know:

    What To Know About The Tropical Zika Virus In Latin America

    Are You Suffering From 'Smartphone Pinky' Or 'WhatsAppitis'? Read On

    Are You Suffering From 'Smartphone Pinky' Or 'WhatsAppitis'? Read On
    Have you noticed that your fingers are turning 'Pinky’ lately as you are busy chatting and texting on smartphone? If yes then you are not alone.

    Are You Suffering From 'Smartphone Pinky' Or 'WhatsAppitis'? Read On

    CDC Expands Tropical Virus Alert; 22 Destinations On List

    CDC Expands Tropical Virus Alert; 22 Destinations On List
    Health authorities have added eight tropical destinations to a travel alert about an illness linked with a severe birth defect and spread by mosquitoes.

    CDC Expands Tropical Virus Alert; 22 Destinations On List