Global Obesity Task Force Calls for Major Increase in Exercise

An international group of experts is lobbying for stronger action to promote increased physical activity to counter the worldwide rise in obesity.

"Move for Health," the theme for World Health Day on April 7, 2002, was supported by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF).

People need to exercise more and eat better foods as part of an overall change in their lifestyle, according to the IOTF.

Philip James, professor and chairman of the IOTF, said most health recommendations underestimate the amount of exercise a person needs to offset the unhealthy weight gain that occurs in those who lead sedentary lifestyles.

"The widely recommended 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise was suggested originally as a minimum to help inactive people make the first step towards an active healthy lifestyle," said James.

"Unfortunately, some people have got the idea that doing the minimum is all you need to do and that's far from ideal. People need to be exercising for at least an hour to an hour and a half each day to avoid putting on significant amounts of weight over the year," James said.

The IOTF will be releasing an assessment of exercise requirements and recommended levels of exercise in a study to be published in the journal Obesity Reviews.

"We applaud the World Health Organization's initiative in making 'Move for Health' the focus of World Health Day this year," said James. "It is vital that everyone recognizes the importance of being active to stay healthy and that goes hand in hand with adopting a healthier diet to minimize all the high fat and sugary foods and drinks which are contributing to this rapid escalation in overweight and obesity around the world, not only in adults but in children."

Involving everyone in greater levels of exercise should be fundamental at school, at work and at home, advised the IOTF. Simple ways to achieve this include using stairs instead of elevators, getting off the bus one stop earlier or parking the car and walking.

Other sources: International Obesity Task Force