Working Towards A Common Goal Against Obesity

One of the most complex challenges currently facing companies in the food, drink and healthcare industries is the increase in childhood obesity to epidemic proportions. Global opinion of where the blame lies and the most effective solutions for tackling the issue has been polarised, and pitched industry, NGOs, legislators, the media and consumers into a fierce debate.

Consumers’ views vary considerably from country to country. A recent European opinion survey by KRC Research for Weber Shandwick showed that while they favour government health warnings on foods with high fat and sugar content, consumers are still divided in their support of a ban on advertising to children.

Similarly, there is no agreement on who is responsible. In France and Spain the finger is being pointed at the food and drink industries, while this is not the case in Germany and the UK where consumers believe the blame lies mainly with parents.

To help understand these challenges and implications for business, Weber Shandwick has brought together a European team of expert consultants from its consumer marketing, corporate, healthcare, public affairs and issues management practice areas to act as strategic counsellors. The European Diet and Health Team is already working closely with the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) to get private and public sector organisations to speak with a single voice and common goal.

On October 30, 2003, the team will bring together experts from the private and public sectors at a European obesity seminar in London to examine the way forward. Speakers include Derek Yach of the World Health Organisation (WHO), who has been the driving force behind the organisation’s stance on obesity, as well as leading representatives from the private and public sectors who will bring their own perspectives to the debate.

Following the seminar, Weber Shandwick will be producing a thought piece focused on obesity and the challenges facing the public and private sectors, a publication that will include insights from participants.

We are faced with an extremely emotional issue and one more complex than just pointing the finger at the food and drink industry. If any inroads are to be made into decreasing the number of people suffering from obesity, it’s going to require public and private sectors to work side-by-side towards a common goal.

By James Smith, European consumer director, Weber Shandwick, London.

For further information about the European obesity seminar on October 30 in London, please contact James Smith at jsmith@webershandwick.com, or on
+44 20 7067 0000.