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[Luxembourg 2005 Presidency of the Council of the European Union]
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Press Release
European action platform "diet, physical activity and health": combating the obesity phenomenon in Europe

Date of release : 15-03-2005

Policy area : Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs


On Tuesday, 15 March 2005, the Minister for Health and Social Security Mars di Bartolomeo helped launch a European action forum: "diet, physical activity and health," organised by the European Commissioner Markos Kyprianou (health and consumer protection) in Brussels. The objective of this initiative, which brings together experts on diet and physical activity, is to combat the obesity phenomenon which is developing in Europe.

The number of people who suffer from obesity in our countries is nearing 200 million and represents a major public health problem for Europe. Becoming aware of the phenomenon at Member States level, and countering the problem by proposing specific actions and establishing close ties with other initiatives, is the mandate that the founder members have undertaken by signing the initial document today.

"We must launch a health policy that is both reactive and active. To this end, I support this promising initiative", stated the Luxembourg Minister.

For Mars di Bartolomeo, "health is the sole capital in which everyone should invest in order to ward off the illnesses of the future." The initiative is within the framework of a preventive health policy, priority item for the Luxembourg Presidency, which will devote a debate to this issue to be held between the Member States of the "Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers" Council next June. "Acting together, we have a chance to counter obesity and vascular diseases." Mars di Bartolomeo believes it is a matter of making individuals aware and educating them about the behaviour and habits that are likely to damage their health.

At European level, the Minister supports the spirit of partnership in this initiative, as working towards global solutions, such as promoting healthy lifestyles, is a key stage in effectively countering the problem of obesity.

The "diet, physical activity and health" platform, which will be held every two months, and the first results of which will be analysed in autumn, should take stock of what the various participants already practise in order to promote a healthy diet and physical activity. It should then introduce an action plan for new initiatives and investments in 2006.



This page was last modified on : 15-03-2005

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