Study Guide B - FAMUN...develop discussions of the matter in the country, as well as higher access to medicine, such as retrovirals, for those who carry the virus. In 2012, there were

Study Guide B

World Health Organization (WHO)

Topic A – The role of industries in the fight against obesity and

eating disorders

Topic B - Media and young health promotion

Renato Peixeiro Pinto Filho Bruna Pereira dos Santos Taís Ferreira de Farias

Fernanda Viotto De Gobbi

Marcelli Bello Polido

Marina Campanha

Victória Chequeleiro

Summary

PRESENTATION LETTER.....................................................................................................................................3

REPRESENTATIONS’ DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 4

RELEVANT INFORMATION............................................................................................................................. 39 WHO PROGRAMMES .................................................................................................................................. 39 REGIONAL OFFICES OF WHO....................................................................................................................44

GENERAL DATA..................................................................................................................................................51 Data on Obesity ..............................................................................................................................................51 Data on Eating Disorders ..............................................................................................................................61 Data on Young’s Health ............................................................................................................................... 63

ANNEXES .............................................................................................................................................................69 News #1 - Software will help in weight management and obesity prevention in the workplace .69 News# 2 – To the obese ... the law ............................................................................................................70 News #3 - Coke helps to combat global obesity .................................................................................... 72 News # 4 - New study from the WHO shows that overweight and obesity have caused 481,000 cancer cases in 2012 ..................................................................................................................................... 73 News # 5 - UN gives new global push to eradicate inadequate nutrition .........................................74 News # 6 - WHO recommends halving sugar consumption ............................................................... 75 News# 7 - The danger of salt: "Most of us do not even know how much sodium we consume' .76

PRESENTATION LETTER Dear delegates,

Welcome to the third edition of FAMUN! It is a huge pleasure to welcome you in our event

and it is an even greater pleasure to see you simulate in our committee. The directors of the World

Health Organization committee (WHO) provide the Study Guide B on the topics: (i) The role of

industries in the fight against eating disorders and obesity; and (ii) Media and the promotion of

young health.

This paper presents a number of documents and articles that, together with Study Guide

A, seek to provide greater insight into the domestic and foreign policy of the country that you are

going to represent, and on the proposed topics. Although this Guide briefly presents the position

of your representations in the simulation, it aims to provide you with a starting point for research

and possible references on the debate.

We look forward to your presence at our event. If in doubt, feel free to contact us.

Remember that a key objective of the simulation is to have fun, so enjoy!

Finally, our most sincere thanks to teachers Marilia Tunes, Patricia Rinaldi, Roberta

Machado and Talita Pinotti, who were fundamental in the construction of this committee and its

respective documents and guides.

Renato Peixeiro Pinto Filho – General Director

Bruna Pereira dos Santos – College Director

Taís Ferreira de Farias – High School Director

Fernanda Viotto De Gobbi – College Assistant Director

Marcelli Bello Polido – College Assistant Director

Marina Campanha – High School Assistant Director

Victória Chequeleiro – High School Assistant Director

REPRESENTATIONS’ DESCRIPTION Afghanistan (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan)

According to the CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, CIA (2015 a), 2.4% of the adult

Afghan population is obese. This number is relativity low in comparison to other countries in the

area, such as Iran. On the contrary, the major problem of Afghanistan is subnutrition, which is as

high as 12% on children, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (2015). Due to the fact

that Afghanistan has been invaded in 2001 by the United States of America (USA) and the

subsequent internal conflicts and institutional instability, the government does not perform any

program to fight obesity or other eating disorders. Moreover, these problems have little attention

of local media, once this is controlled by the government and has to submit itself to the Islamic

law, the Sharia, which imposes certain restrictions to the content presented (UNITED NATIONS

CHILDREN’S FUND, 2015).

According to the World Health Organization, in a data survey made by the Organization

from 2003 to 2010, the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country, due to the Sharia, is

almost 0% (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.173). On the other hand, the

consumption of tobacco is higher, reaching 8.7% among men older than 15, and 8.1% among

women of the same age, according to the World Health Organization. This may be due to media

regulation by the government, which banned advertisements of the product on the national TV

and radio, as well as on the local magazines and newspapers (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,

2013 a, pp.1-6). Despite the State initiative, there is little medical assistance to control Tobacco

addiction. However, there are programs offered at schools and colleges, to inform about the harm

caused by tobacco’s consumption. Furthermore, the government acts extensively through the

National AIDS Control Program in the battle against HIV and AIDS – which are two uncommon

diseases at Afghanistan, present in approximately 0.1% of the population, but with great chance to

increase (AFGHANISTAN, 2014, pp.5-36).

Angola (Republic of Angola)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 d), Angola does not have any political,

operational strategic plan or any other action to prevent or reduce overweight/obesity in the

country. This may due to the fact that, although numbers are increasing, the percentage of obese

in the country is still low: in 2014, only 10.2% of the population was considered obese (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight, however, is significantly higher, although still low

when compared to the rest of the world: in 2014, 30.9% of the population was above its ideal

weight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). Another health problem of great concern in

Angola is AIDS: it was estimated that, in 2013, an average of 11.5 million people died in the country

affected by the disease (AIDSINFO, 2014). Regarding young’s health the consumption of alcoholic

beverages is also a concern: a study from the World Health Organization (2014, p.90) done in

2010 with people over 15 years old found out that, in Angola, there is a per capita consumption of

25.1 liters for men and 12.9 liters for women.

As for the media, according to the Human Rights Watch, "the state media outlets remain

the primary source of information and the government keeps a firm grip on the private media"

(PESSOA, 2013). In 2013, the WHO adopted a resolution that mainly aimed at curbing the growth

of obesity rates in the world; soon, the Organization proposed a voluntary effective action of the

Angolan State to collaborate with the project, since the government has media control. In addition,

the WHO held a convention to improve control over tobacco: Angola, one of the participants,

signed the Convention on 29 June 2004 and ratified it on 20 September 2007 (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2013 b, pp.1-6). Moreover, the country has some interventionist policies, such

as taxes on beer and wine, as well as minimum age of 18 to buy and consume alcoholic beverages

("OMS...", 2013; UNITED NATIONS, 2015; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION , 2014, p.90).

Argentina (Argentine Republic)

According to Euromonitor (2014 a), eating disorders, such as overweight, are present in

much of Argentine population, including children, as stated in a report from the Children and

Nutrition Research Center published in 2012. According to the study, 24% of preschool children,

aged, 3-5, and 37% of primary schoolers (5-11) in Argentina are overweight. Concerning obesity,

the results are lower, but still worrying: among preschoolers, 10% are obese, while among those

who attend primary school, 18% are obese. These values are high and can also be found among

adults: in 2014, 26.3% of the population was considered obese and 61.7% overweight (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015b; 2015 c). These values are the result of a change in the diet

pattern of adults, which is transmitted to children, who consume larger amounts of meat,

saturated fat, sugar, and fewer fruits and vegetables (EUROMONITOR, 2014 a). The Argentinean

government, in 2012, implemented a "Healthy Eating Act" (Ley de Alimentación Saludable), which

required healthier foods to be sold in school’s cafeterias. However, these are not the only eating

disorders present in the country: due to the influence of media and the imposition of a slim beauty

standard, Anorexia and Bulimia are becoming increasingly recurrent in the country, including

among children under 12 (EUROMONIOR, 2014 a).

As for the national media, which is not controlled by the state, it plays a divergent role:

while it contributes to the spread of the country's beauty standard, especially through magazines

and TV, it also helps to reduce the rate of tobacco users in the country (EUROMONITOR, 2014 a).

According to Euromonitor, in 2005, Tobacco users accounted for 27% of the population, while in

2013 the number of smokers was 22%; men, aged 35 to 49, were the main users. This change has

occurred due to an increase in taxes over the product, the prohibition of the use of tobacco in

public places and of tobacco advertising on television and other media, and the inclusion of health

alerts on cigarette packages (EUROMONITOR, 2014 a). Alcohol consumption, in turn, is

increasing: in 2013 about 72,7 liters of alcohol per capita were consumed in Argentina, one of the

highest rates in Latin America. Furthermore, concerning HIV/AIDS, the government seeks to

develop discussions of the matter in the country, as well as higher access to medicine, such as

retrovirals, for those who carry the virus. In 2012, there were about 0.2% of HIV-positives in the

Argentine population (ARGENTINA, 2014, p.3-6).

Bangladesh (People’s Republic of Bangladesh)

In Bangladesh, obesity is still a minor problem, considering that, in 2014, only 3.6% of the

population was obese (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight is more

significant, but still low considering the rest of the world: in 2014, 18.1% of the population was

above its ideal weight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). As far as childhood obesity,

data from the World Health Organization (2015 a) show an increase, from 0.9% in 2003 to 2.6%

in 2013. The main problem faced by Bangladesh is malnutrition: in 2013, 35.1% of children under 5

was underweight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 a). The reality of Bangladesh is

increasingly difficult, keeping in mind that, on the one hand the country is managing to reduce

their levels of malnutrition, while on the other, the growing number of overweight individuals may

also result in higher mortality rates. The public health system is pressured by having to deal with

two extreme situations (KHAN, TALUKDER, 2013, pp.1-8). As for fighting malnutrition, the

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently launched a campaign with the United Nations

World Food Programme to combat the situation (WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME, 2013).

Regarding media and the health of young people, the act of smoking is banned in some

public areas as well as any tobacco advertising on media. Products with any association with

tobacco and products containing tobacco are also prohibited (TOBACCO CONTROL LAWS,

2013). As for alcohol, the product is forbidden for social consumption or religious rites. However,

inadequate consumption has increased, mainly, due to homemade production. Recently, the

product has become a major problem for the state, resulting in the death of several young people

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2004). Finally, the HIV situation is also worrying. Of the

9,500 individuals living with the virus in the country, only 11% receive treatment for the illness

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 e; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 f).

According to the World Bank (2012), Bangladesh is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia

where the number of infected continues to rise, mainly due to the lack of public knowledge

towards protection methods, the low use of condoms and other protection methods, and the share

of needles and syringes.

Bolivia (Plurinational State of Bolivia)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b; 2015 c), obesity percentage in Bolivia

is similar to the rest of the world: in 2014, 17.1% of the population was obese. It is interesting to

highlight that women are most affected than men: in 2014, 22.2% of women was obese, compared

to only 12.1% of men. Overweight data is more significant: in 2014, 52.1% of the population was

overweight and, again, women were the most affected (56%) (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). Among children the numbers are also significant: 1 in every 4 children is

obese or overweight. This is a reflect mainly of their diet, since their traditional food is rich in

carbohydrates and fat, and high-calorie snacks are popular in the country, although they have the

custom of eating fruit every day (EUROMONITOR, 2013 a). As a result of it, the Bolivian

government created the National Program for Non-Transmissible Diseases, designed by the

Ministry of Health of the State, which seeks to identify and organize cases and help families fight

these health problems (EUROMONITOR, 2013 a). Regarding anorexia and bulimia nervosa, these

eating disorders are a growing problem for Bolivians, especially among young women. Bolivians,

who are influenced by Western standards of beauty, are consuming lots of drugs to get thin. This

influences children too: a study found out that 3% of high schools girls in Bolivia have bulimia or

anorexia nervosa (EUROMONITOR, 2013 a).

As for young people’s health, according to the World Health Organization (2014, p.142),

the percentage of alcohol consumers over 15 is 11.3% and, fortunately, the government has taxes

upon beer and wine. However, there is no media regulation and no minimum age to buy these

products. Concerning tobacco and cigarettes -both legal drugs in the country, smoking teenagers

between 12 to 17 account for 18.7% (tobacco) and 11.3% (cigarettes) of the population (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013c, pp.1-6). The government has taxes upon these products and

sponsors anti-smoking campaigns on radio, television, magazines and newspapers. Furthermore,

there are laws that prohibit smoking in public places. However, tobacco and cigarette companies

are not responsible to support campaigns that discourage the use of these products (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013c, pp.1-6). Regarding the spread of AIDS in the country, it affects

only 0.3% of people aged 15-49: different programs are to be implemented during 2015 (BOLIVIA,

2014, pp.6-7).

Brazi l (Federative Republic of Brazi l)

In Brazil, obesity has been a growing concern to public health, even tough the numbers are

close to the World’s average: in 2014, 20% of people was considered obese (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Regarding overweight, the figures are more significant: in 2014, 54.1%

of the population was above its ideal weight. It is interesting to note, however, that the percentage

is higher for men (55.6%) than for women (52.8%). Although the number of obese in the country

can be considered lower than the ones found in many neighboring countries, it worries the

Brazilian government so that it has launched an obesity prevention program in schools in order to

reduce the current number and prevent its increase in the future. Besides these goals, the program

seeks to reduce the number of illnesses related to obesity, such as Diabetes and cardiovascular

diseases. The issue has been present in the media, which is not controlled by the government,

through its soap operas that have great influence on the population, promoting the country's

beauty standards (EUROMONITOR, 2014 b).

Regarding young people’s health there is a great effort in the country to alert population to

the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and high consumption of alcohol through

advertisements, messages on cigarette labels and on billboards, in order to reduce the demand for

such products. These actions are encouraged by the Brazilian government, and since 1989 it

sponsors programs and researches to combat the addiction to tobacco, and its use. According to

the Observatory of the National Tobacco Control Policy, part of the National Cancer Institute

(INCA), the public engagement is enabling the decrease in tobacco consumption

(OBSERVATÓRIO DA POLÍTICA NACIONAL DE CONTROLE DO TABACO, 2015). A similar trend

can be seen in alcohol consumption, which suffered a slight decrease, especially after the

imposition of the "Lei Seca" law, which prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol. Despite the

decline, Brazil remains a country of average alcohol consumption: approximately 5-6 liters per

capita (EUROMONITOR, 2014 b). Furthermore, concerning HIV/AIDS, Brazil continues to

demonstrate commitment and pioneering in enabling treatment for AIDS with retroviral drugs

offered by the public health system to all patients diagnosed with the disease, regardless of the

stage (“MEDICAMENTO…”, 2015). According to UNAIDS, in 2013, approximately 730,000

people, including children and adults were living with the disease in the country (JOINT UNITED

NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS, 2015).

Chad (Republic of Chad)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 h), in 2008, 2.4% of men over 20, and

3.8% of women over 20 suffered from obesity in Chad. In 2014, 6.6% of the population was

considered obese (CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, 2015 b). Among children, in 2010, 2.8% of

children under 5 were obese (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 a). Regarding other

diseases, it is estimated that in 2013, 2.8% of the population had AIDS and 14,700 deaths were

related to this disease (CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, 2015 b).

Regarding tobacco, the World Health Organization held a convention to improve the

control over tobacco and Chad signed the Convention on 22 June 2004 and ratified it on 30

January 2006. This Convention, conscious of the global epidemic of massive tobacco use, aims at

increasing control over the product trying to decrease the death rate and diseases resulting from

tobacco use (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 d, pp.1-6). In the case of alcoholic

beverages, a study from 2010 with people over 15 in Chad estimated that the alcohol consumption

per capita was of 37.5 liters for men and 24.7 liters for women (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION 2014, p.98). The country has some intervention policies such as taxes on beer

and minimum age of 18 to buy and consume alcoholic beverages (MATIAS, 2012; UNITED

NATIONS, 2015; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.98). As for the media, the source of

Chadian news is restricted and much of the information available comes from the Agence France

Presse (AFP), which is linked to an association of journalists in Chad, fully linked to the

government.

Chile (Republic of Chile)

In 2008, in Chile, the World Health Organization (2015 i) estimated that 24.5% of men

and 33.6% of women over 20 were considered obese. In addition, from 2010 to 2014 there was an

increase of 3% in the obesity rate in the country (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). It is

also estimated that in 2020 the obesity rate will reach 39.4% of the young population over 15.

Considering overweight the number is higher: in 2014, 64.2% of the population was considered

overweight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). In order to tackle these issues, in 2014

the government of Chile structured a program called "Elige vivir sano" in order to promote a

healthy lifestyle for the population. The program strongly supports physical activity, balanced

nutrition and prevention of noncommunicable diseases (“ELIGE”, 2014).

As for young people’s health, AIDS is also a concerning matter: it is estimated that the

Chilean population in 2013 had an average of 654 deaths related to AIDS (AIDSINFO, 2014).

Regarding tobacco consumption, the World Health Organization held a convention to improve

control over this product; Chile signed the Convention on 25 September 2003 and ratified it on 13

June 2005 (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 e, pp.1-6). In the case of alcoholic

beverages, in a study conducted by the World Heath Organization (2014, p.145) in 2010 for people

over 15, it was determined that Chile's per capita consumption of alcohol is of 19.2 liters for men

and 9.3 liters for women. The country sponsors some interventionist policies such as taxes over

beer, wine and spirits, as well as minimum age of 18 for buying and/or consuming alcoholic

beverages (UNITED NATIONS, 2015; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.145).

China (People’s Republic of China)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b), the number of individuals over 18

considered obese in the country has increased in recent years, from 5.4% in 2010 to 7.3% in 2014.

However, when compared to other countries this is still a low rate. Regarding child obesity, in 2010

approximately 6.6% of children aged less than 5 were considered obese (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 a). According to Euromonitor (2013 b), such a situation is a result of

economic growth and of the entrance of large food companies selling snacks, crackers, cookies

and other products that were not part of the Chinese eating habits. Regarding eating disorders, the

standard of beauty in China has changed in recent years to a standard based on lean and athletic

bodies as a result of closer ties with Asian countries whose aesthetic reference is Western, such

as Japan and Korea (EUROMONITOR, 2013 b).

As for the media, it is very regulated by the government. Currently, the government

intends to implement changes in its regulatory framework, which is old and no longer reflect the

majority of the Chinese society. In January 2014, the Chinese government released a document

stating what will be the new changes in advertising and propaganda. What drew most of the

attention was the issue of child protection: when the new laws come into force, advertising to

children in schools, buses, daycare centers and other places frequented by children will be

considered a crime (ELSINGA, 2015). In relation to alcohol, the product has a strong tradition in

Chinese culture and economic transformations have allowed the expansion of its consumption to

several Chinese cities (EUROMONITOR, 2013 b). As for tobacco, the product consumption has not

changed much in recent years. Some laws prohibiting smoking in public places were created in

2011, but their efficiency has been questioned due to few cases resulting in penalties

(EUROMONITOR, 2013 b). On the issue of HIV/AIDS, the Chinese government has achieved a

great progress to introduce government programs to combat the virus. The 5-year plan to combat

HIV 2006-2010 effectively decreased the amount of affected people: it provided treatment not

only for those affected by the virus, but also for drug users, the main responsible for the spread of

HIV in the country (JIANHUA et. al., 2010).

Cuba (Republic of Cuba)

In the case of Cuba, in 2014, almost 62% of the population over 18 was overweight: among

women the rate was higher (66.6%) when compared to men (57.3%) (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015c). This difference in the rate of men and women expresses the common

female sedentary lifestyle, and cardiovascular disease resulting from diabetes. For youngsters

aged 1-14, the overweight rate decreases to 13% CUBA, 2006, p.25). In addition, it is estimated

that the Cuban population in 2014 had an average of 111 deaths affected by AIDS (AIDSINFO,

2014).

As for the Media, in Cuba it is controlled by the government through monitoring and

filtering advertisement. As a result there are some restrictions to campaigns related to alcohol and

tobacco (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 f). Regarding tobacco, Cuba has signed the

Convention on June 29, 2004, although it has not yet been ratified. This Convention, conscious of

the global epidemic of massive tobacco use, aims to increase control over the product in order to

decrease the rate of death and disease related to tobacco use (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2013 f). In the case of alcoholic beverages, in a study conducted by the World

Heath Organization in 2010 with people over 15, it was pointed that Cuba's per capita

consumption of alcohol was 12.3 liters for men and 3 liters for women. The country has some

interventionist policies, such as a minimum age of 18 to buy and consume alcoholic beverages

(UNITED NATIONS, 2015; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.148).

Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b; 2015c), the percentage of obese

people over 18: in 2010 the rate of people considered obese in the country was 24.7%. In 2014, it

increased to 27.7%. Overweight data shows a similar trend: in 2010, 56.8% of Egyptians was

considered overweight and, in 2014, this rate increased to 60%. Overweight affects not only

adults but also children under 5: in 2003 9.2% of them were not with their ideal weight: in 2008,

the rate was up to 20.5%. (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 a). In Egypt these trends are

especially related to a sedentary lifestyle and the preference for fast food, and food that is rich in

sugar and calories, especially North American brands, which are more accessible to the population

(EUROMONITOR, 2014 c). For children, the main influence is cultural, since overweight children

tend to be considered healthy. The same occurs in adult women. However, this standard of beauty

has changed in recent years, especially among young women, who have adopted the international

standards of beauty (EURMONITOR, 2014 c).

Regarding media influence in the country, there are both private and state-owned

enterprises in the sector, and the government exercises control particularly over radio, magazines

and newspapers (AMIN, 2007, pp.6-7). Consequently, alcohol and tobacco advertisement are

restricted and subject to binding regulations (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.176).

With regard to alcohol consumption, the problem does not affect many adults, with about 70%

abstaining from drinking the beverage. However, new trends point to an increase in alcohol

consumption by young people, especially the more liberal ones (EUROMONITOR, 2014 c). As for

tobacco, the product is consumed for about 30% of adults and the practice is permitted in public

and private places except for schools, hospitals and clubs. Nevertheless, the government has tried

to refrain consumption, although it has not been successful (EUROMONITOR, 2014 c). Regarding

HIV, the rates are very low among the population, particularly young people. The government has

focused its efforts on risk groups, tailoring public programs. There are risk groups with higher

incidence rates than others, so the government, aiming at the eradication of the disease, is

revamping its national anti virus program trying to reach these groups (EGYPT, 2014, p.2).

Ethiopia (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia)

In Ethiopia, the main concern about nutrition is not overweight or obesity, but underweight

and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization data (2015 b; 2015c), in 2014 16.5%

of the population was overweight and only 3.3% was classified as obese. However, malnutrition

data show significant numbers: in 2011, 40.2% of the population was below the minimum level of

dietary energy required for a healthy life (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 g). Regarding

AIDS, it is estimated that in 2012 approximately 7.3% of deaths were caused by AIDS (AIDSINFO,

2014).

As for tobacco, Ethiopia signed the Convention on Tobacco Control on 25 February 2004

and ratified it on 25 March 2014 (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 g, pp.1-6). In the case

of alcoholic beverages, in a study conducted by the World Heath Organization in 2010 with people

over 15, Ethiopia's per capita consumption of alcohol was 30.1 liters for men and 19.9 liters for

women. The country has some interventionist policies such as taxes on beer, wine and spirits, as

well as the minimum age of 18 for both buying and consuming alcoholic beverages

(GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AFFAIRS OFFICE, 2014; UNITED NATIONS, 2015; WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.105).

F inland (Republic of Finland)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b; 2015c), the percentage of people

over 18 considered obese in 2014 was 20.6%, a slight increase compared to 2010 (19%).

Overweight rates also increased: in 2010, 53.6% of the population was overweight. In 2014, this

number increased to 55.2%. According to Euromonitor (2014 D), the National Institute for Health

and Welfare of Finland considered fighting obesity one of its main health goals. In addition, health

authorities have also created programs that combat the progression of these indices. Finnish

schools, for example, have made some changes in food offer in cafeterias, adding vegetarian

alternatives (EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL, 2014 d).

According to the World Health Organization, in 2010 alcohol consumption per capita was

23.6 liters for men and 11.8 liters for women (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.209).

Finland has specific national policies related to alcohol and there are specific regulations for

advertising alcohol-related products. Regarding tobacco, in 2012 23.6% of adults used it. It is

noteworthy that Finnish legislation prohibits smoking in educational establishments with the

exception of universities and their offenders can be fined, both smokers and establishments

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 h, pp.1-6; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014,

p.209). Concerning HIV/AIDS, according to the annual report of the National Institute for Health

and Welfare of Finland, in 2011 there were about 2,953 confirmed cases of HIV in the country. Also

according to the report, to combat the disease the Finnish government offers prevention

programs, provides free treatment and social support to all those who are HIV positive (FINLAND,

2012, p.3; pp.7-9).

France (French Republic)

According to World Health Organization data (2015 b), in 2014 60.7% of the population

was considered overweight: among women, 54.7% was above the ideal body mass index, and

among men it reached 67.1%. Obesity data, however, show lower numbers: in 2014, 23.9% of

people was considered obese (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). Traditionally, French

people care about their weight and aim to maintain a slim standard of beauty (EUROMONITOR,

2013 c). However, the same cultural aspect can lead many people, especially women, to develop

eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. In this context, the media plays a double role: on

the one hand, it is responsible for defining beauty standards, especially influenced by the strong

fashion industry, which is very important in France. On the other hand, French media, despite the

freedom it has to disclose all types of contents, is state-owned and regulated by agencies, such as

the Authority of Professional Regulation of Advertising (ARPP), which defines, for example,

healthy habits recommendations and specific rules for children's advertising. Finally, the

government, in order to prevent obesity and overweight especially among children, regulates the

meals offered in French following a balanced diet (EUROMONITOR, 2013 c).

Despite the effort to disseminate healthy life habits through the media, the tradition of

high consumption of alcohol among French is still significant (EUROMONITOR, 2013 c). In 2012,

alcohol consumption was 93.3 liters per capita, a high figure worrying authorities. A 2013 study by

the European Journal of Public Health demonstrated that alcohol consumption was responsible for

approximately 49,000 deaths per year in the country (“ALCOHOL…”, 2013; EUROMONITOR,

2013 c). In this regard, the government is developing a new legislation to reduce alcohol

consumption, especially among young people: advertisements linking the consumption of

beverages with feelings of pleasure or joy would be prohibited (EUROMONITOR, 2013 c).

Currently, people that are found drunk in public places or driving drunk are fined. As for tobacco,

its use in public places has also been restricted by public laws. In 2012, according to Euromonitor

(2013 c), 29.5% of adults and 38% of young people smoked tobacco (EUROMONITOR, 2013 c).

Concerning HIV/AIDS, according to the 2013 World Fight Against AIDS Report, the French

government estimated that in 2012 there were 6,400 HIV positive people in the country. They

have access to free treatment with retrovirals regardless of what stage of disease they are in

(FRANCE, 2013, pp.2-23).

Ghana (Republic of Ghana)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b), in 2014, 30.6% of the population

was overweight, with a higher prevalence among women (43.6%) when compared to men

(23.5%). Obesity data, however, show considerably lower numbers: in 2014, 12.2% of the

population was considered obese. In was identified that obesity in Ghana prevailed among people

with the following profile: married, workers and older people. More educated people presented

higher rates of obesity, and the higher the economic level of people, the higher is their access to

high-calorie foods. (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b; BIRITWUM; GYAPONG;

MENSAH, 2005, pp.82-85). Regarding AIDS, it is estimated that, among adults, the prevalence of

HIV is 1.47% (AIDSINFO, 2014).

In Ghana, the media plays an important role in supporting public health programs, as the

ones related to tobacco consumption restriction. Ghana signed the WHO Convention on Tobacco

Control on 20 June 2003, and ratified it on 29 November 2004 (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2013 I, pp.1-6). In the case of alcoholic beverages, in a 2010 study with people

over 15 by the World Heath Organization (2014, P.108), Ghana's per capita alcohol consumption

was 34.2 liters for men and 22.6 liters for women. The country has some interventionist policies

such as taxes on beer, wine and spirits, as well as minimum age of 18 for both buying and

consuming alcoholic beverages (HASTY, 2015; UNITED NATIONS, 2015; WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.108).

India (Republic of India)

In India, both obesity and overweight occurrence are low when compared to the rest of the

world: in 2014, 22% of the population was considered overweight, and only 4.9% obese (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b; 2015 c). These low numbers are mainly a result of the Indian

diet: nearly a third of Indians are vegetarians for religious and cultural issues, and pork

consumption is limited to a relatively small group (EUROMONITOR, 2015 a). However, fast-food

consumption has grown among young people as a result of greater openness to Western

influence. This factor contributed to a slight increase in obesity rates from 2010 to 2014

(EUROMONITOR, 2015 a). This change in the standards can also be seen in the media: currently,

many fitness programs have been disclosed following a Western trend (DOORDARSHAN, 2015).

Moreover, all content in Indian television must be approved by Doordarshan Controller of

Sales, which is an Indian television station and one of the world's largest broadcasting

organizations (DOORDARSHAN, 2015). Consequently, advertisements on alcoholic products,

tobacco and campaigns directed to children are restricted. India has no specific national policies

for alcohol, but there are specific regulations for advertising such products. Together with the

culture, such actions result in low alcohol consumption levels: in 2010, the percentage of

alcoholics over 15 was 2.1%, and the percentage of people with alcohol intake related disorders

was 2.6% (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.252). Regarding cigarette use, in 2012

5.7% of adults and 14.6% of young people smoked cigarettes. It is noteworthy that Indian law

prohibits smoking in some public establishments, and their offenders can be fined, either smokers

or establishments (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 h, pp.1-6; WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2014, p. 252). Concerning HIV/AIDS, according to the 2013 United Nations

Programme on HIV/AIDS the prevalence of HIV was approximately 0.3%, a low percentage, yet a

high absolute number since India has one of the largest population on the planet. Due to the

commitment of the Indian government in fighting HIV/AIDS, providing medical treatment to those

diagnosed with the virus and performing preventive disease programs, the number of new

infections (incidence) has fallen almost 57% in the last few years (INDIA, 2013, pp.1-3).

Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)

Obesity and overweight in adults are increasing problems in Iran, especially among women

living in urban areas (JAFARI-ADLI, 2014). From 2010 to 2014 the percentage of the populations

considered obese increased approximately 2%, reaching 26.1%. As in other countries, obesity is

more common among women: in 2014, 32% were considered obese, while only 20.1% of men

were in the same condition (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight data show

considerably higher numbers: in 2014, 62.3% of the population was above its ideal weight

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). In order to tackle this issue, the government built

sports’ areas in cities to encourage physical activity. In addition, the Iranian government has

banned all kinds of advertising of high caloric food in national TV. However, the contact of the

population with Western culture through advertisements, videos on the Internet and the

international media, via cable TV subscription, is still an important influence, especially to young

people, who seek to assimilate these new habits, accepting new diet and beauty standards

(EUROMONITOR, 2013 d).

Due to the fact that Iran is Islamic, alcohol consumption is prohibited in the country, being

only allowed to those who are not practitioners of the religion, as long as the drinks are not

consumed publicly (EUROMONITOR, 2013 d). Thus, as in other Islamic countries, the percentage

of alcohol consumers is almost 0%. Tobacco use, on the contrary, is high, reaching 26.6% of the

adult population, from 15-64, and 5.1% among young people, from 13-15. Such high number of

tobacco users may be due to less restrictions imposed by the government to its consumption:

although there are regulations related to tobacco advertisement, its consumption is permitted in

public areas (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 i, pp.1-6; WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.177). Concerning HIV/AIDS, in 2013 there were about 0.2% of adults

with the disease, approximately 67 thousand people, and 2,100 children aged 0-14 years. They all

receive government assistance for the disease treatment through the Ministry of Health (IRAN,

2014, pp.7-20).

Japan

In Japan, obesity rates have also grown in the last decades, but the incidence is still low

when compared to the rest of the developed countries: in 2014, only 3.3% of the population was

considered obese, and 24.5% considered overweight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b;

2015 c). This is due to the cultural habit of a balanced diet, which is rich in vegetables and poor in

fat. Indexes indicate that the Japanese eat about 25% less calories than Americans

(EUROMONITOR, 2014 e). Consequently, there is a lower incidence of certain diseases arising

from obesity, and the Japanese government also has certain measures in order to minimize the

spread of diseases: for example, to citizens whose waist and fat ratios are above recommended, it

is offered nutritionist advice. Furthermore, it was established that by 2015, companies would be

subject to certain fees and fines if they fail to reduce the rates of obesity and overweight among

their employees. Another reason attributed to this low level of obesity amid the Japanese is the

fact that they are in a very conservative society, in which being classified as obese or being

overweight may stigmatize people socially. Social pressure makes the Japanese have healthy

diets, small portions during meals and daily exercise, which leads the government to believe that

obesity and overweight may never be considered a problem for the country (EUROMONITOR,

2014 e).

As for the media, it includes national and international companies. The sector regulation

occurs in some cases, through self-regulatory agencies, but the government projects national laws

to supervise the operation of companies in the sector. The government also requires companies to

broadcast cultural and educational programs, and prevents them from mentioning attitudes

against manners and morals (BARKER & MCKENZIE, 2012, p.39-41). Considering tobacco,

consumption is high among adults, as there are no laws or prohibitions for smokers in Japan

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 j, pp.1-6). As far as alcohol is concerned, there are no

serious problems of abuse of this product in the Japanese society, since its consumption is

culturally part of society, and is ingested in small amounts, with some meals or in social events

(EUROMONITOR, 2014 e). With regard to HIV, the number of infected has increased in recent

years, but it is still considered low: the main group affected are men from 20 to 30. As a result, the

country launched a campaign of education and awareness, along with testing and counseling for

those affected (JAPAN, 2014, p.1; pp. 5-6).

Kuwait (State of Kuwait)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b), in 2014 the number of obese people

over 18 was 39.7%, with women being the most affected group (45,9%). Overweight data is

higher: in 2014, 75.4% of the population over 18 was considered overweight. Thus, the

government of Kuwait is working to solve these problems: the public service is good, and now

offers institutes such as the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR, 2015), which promotes

diets and healthy lifestyles, nutrition policies and drafting of publicity campaigns. Also, this

institution has worked with local bakeries and restaurants to strengthen the amount of fiber in

their products, and with public schools to reduce the rate of obesity in children. In addition, the

following partners support their work: The World Bank, NASA, the International Monetary Fund,

and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) (KUWAIT INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC

RESEARCH, 2015).

Regarding media and the promotion of youngsters’ health, it is important to highlight

information about alcohol, tobacco and AIDS. According to the World Health Organization (2014,

p.180), the percentage of alcohol consumers above 15 is 1.3%. However, there is no regulation of

media for such products. Concerning tobacco and cigarettes - both legal drugs in the country-

according to the World Health Organization (2013), 17% of the young population smokes tobacco,

and 15.9% smokes cigarettes. Thus, the government has taxes upon these products and does anti-

smoking campaigns in all the media, including points of sale. In addition, there are anti-smoking

laws, restricting its consumption (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 j, pp.1-6). Regarding

the spread of AIDS, according to the UNAIDS (2014 c), the incidence of the disease in the country

is very small, and between 1980 –data of the first case of AIDS- and 2014, only 252 patients were

diagnosed with the disease. Despite the low incidence, the government has a supportive structure

to AIDS’ treatment: they offer extensive treatments, free tests of the disease and campaigns

against the spread among young people (KUWAIT, 2014, pp.3-5).

Malaysia

Malaysia, as other countries, has faced an increase in obesity and overweight cases, but

when compared to the rest of the world it still presents low incidences: in 2014, for example, 13.3%

of the population was considered obese with a significant difference between men (10.6%) and

women (16%) (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight data, however, is more

evenly distributed: 39.8% of women and 37.2% of men are considered obese (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015c). The increase in the rate is justified by growing income and urban

transition, as both stimulate the consumption of industrialized products. Another important

aspect is the low diet diversity: Malaysia is considered one of the worst countries in food diversity

issues and the possibility to acquire healthy diets in the Asian region. The Ministry of Health

considered obesity a public disorder since its steady rise started generating diseases such as high

blood pressure and diabetes, even among children. Because of this, the government launched

some initiatives to tackle the issue in schools, like determining the minimal nutritional value of the

snacks served. Regarding the specific regulations for advertising, the country decided that all

advertisements about food and drink in the media must necessarily show the need for a balanced

diet. (EUROMONITOR, 2014 f; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 d).

Regarding the advertisements directed to children, they are prohibited in case they may

cause moral, physical or psychological harm. For food advertisements, for example, it is important

to present the nutritional values and ingredients present in the product (ADVERTISING

STANDARDS AUTHORITY, 2008, pp.22-49; BARKER & MCKENZIE, 2012, p. 44). With regard to

alcohol consumption, as about 60% of the population is Muslim, alcohol consumption is not very

common. The few who consume, do it at home. Shops and markets wishing to sell it need state

authorization and cannot show the product in public. The regulation also protects children and

adolescents in relation to alcohol, as it prevents advertisements encouraging consumption of the

substance by young people (ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY, 2008, p.44;

EUROMONITOR, 2014 f). For tobacco, advertisements in national and international network, as

well as the distribution and promotion are all forbidden by the government (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2013 k, pp.1-6). Finally, in relation to HIV, the crisis began in 1986, and since

then the government adopted measures to contain the disease through education, awareness,

treatment and diagnosis. The measures were successful and the number of cases decreased in

recent years (MALAYSIA, 2014, p.2-3)

Mexico (United Mexican States)

In Mexico, as in other countries, the percentage of obese and overweight people has grown

in the last few years: in 2010, 25.9% of the population was obese, and in 2014, this number

increased to 28.1%. Women are the most affected: in 2014, 33.1% of them was obese, while 22.8%

of men are in the same condition (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight data is

significant: in 2014, 64.4% of the Mexican population was considered above its ideal weight

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). The rates of obesity, including children, increased

rapidly in recent years and in order to tackle the problem the government has launched some

initiatives. One of its proposals was to increase taxes on processed food as a way to discourage

the consumption of this product. In addition, the government also launched public campaigns to

encourage adults and children in the country to have a healthier life. Moreover, in Mexico, beauty

standards varies greatly from region to region, but suffers much interference of magazines and

television (EUROMONITOR, 2013 e).

Regarding media, the country has both private and public companies. The media is

regulated by the state, especially television and radio, being the government priority to protect the

values and the maintenance of order: the regulation seeks to protect not only adults, but young

people as well, because advertisement and news to them can also be harmful (MCKENZIE, 2011).

With regard to alcohol consumption, it has increased in recent years mainly as a result of lower

prices: large markets are offering alcoholic drinks for lower prices turning them more accessible,

specially among young people (EUROMONITOR, 2013 e). The consumption of tobacco is high in

the country, and radio and TV product advertisements, both national and international, are

prohibited within the country, as well as the free distribution of the product and promotional

discounts (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 k, pp.1- 6). Finally, in relation to HIV, the

amount of affected is not very high, reaching about 0.2% to 0.3% of the general population over

15. Despite it, the government launched a national program to combat the disease, especially

among drug users who use needles and pregnant mothers through a wide range of products and

services (MEXICO, 2015, p.12-29).

Nigeria (Federal Republic of Nigeria)

Obesity and overweight are becoming a growing trend in the country, even though the

incidence is still low when compared to the rest of the world: in 2010, 8.9% of the population was

considered obese; in 2014, this number increased to 11%. What is interesting is that women are

much more affected: in 2014, 16.3% of women was obese, while only 5.9% of men fit this

classification (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight data show a similar trend:

in 2014, 33.3% of Nigerians was overweight. While among women the rate was 40.9%, among

men only 26% of them were above their ideal weight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015

c). The growth of obesity and overweight is due to a change in the diet of the population, which

acquired eating habits of western countries and began to consume more fast food, in addition to

the high level of smoking, alcohol consumption and little physical activity (CHUKWUONYE et al.,

2013, p.43-47). Currently, obesity and overweight affect a great part of the population living in

urban areas, as well as people with low schooling, aged 50-59. However, the government does not

have any program to combat or prevent obesity or other eating disorders, focusing on the main

problem of the country: malnutrition, especially among children. Malnutrition is still a major cause

of death due to the lack of medical treatment and its prevalence among mothers of infants who,

consequently, cannot breastfeed children for the two years recommended by the World Health

Organization (EUROMONITOR, 2014 g).

Moreover, the problem is also neglected by the local media, which ignores the disease,

rather contributing to the deepening of other problems, such as smoking. The habit is transmitted

in a glamorous way by the media through advertisements that encourage cigarette smoking, thus

increasing consumption, especially among young males (EUROMONITOR, 2014 g). Consequently,

in 2014 15.4% of young people aged 13-15 consumed tobacco (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 l, pp.1-6). Alcohol consumption is also common in the Nigerian society

according to Euromonitor. However, it has remained stable, resulting in consumption of 12.5 liters

per capita in 2012 (EUROMONITOR, 2014 g). Concerning HIV/AIDS, in 2014 the prevalence of

HIV in the population was 3.17% (AIDSINFO, 2014), one of the highest rates in the World,

combated by several programs conducted by the National Agency for AIDS Control (NIGERIA,

2014, pp.6-17).

Norway (Kingdom of Norway)

Like other countries in the world, Norway has also faced an increase in obese and

overweight cases: however, the rates are still low compared to the rest of the world. In 2014,

23.1% of the population was considered obese, with men being the most affected (24,6%)

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight data show a similar trend: in 2014,

65.2% of men was above their ideal weight, while only 51.8% of women was overweight (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). This problem affects not only adults but also children: 15% of

the boys are overweight, compared to 14% among girls (ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC

COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT, 2014). According to Euromonitor (2014), despite these

figures Norway is considered one of the countries with low incidence of overweight children in

Europe. Nevertheless, several local initiatives have emerged to tackle the situation, especially

proposals that stimulate physical activity (EUROMONITOR, 2014 h).

In response to these changes, the Norwegian government joined the media to limit food

advertisement to children, legally restricting the transmission of all advertising to children. The

initiative is working since 2013, and defines standards to be followed by advertisement companies

(WORLD CANCER RESEARCH FUND INTERNATIONAL, 2015). In relation to alcohol consumption

in the country, it has decreased in general mainly due to higher prices and greater awareness of

people about the danger of the product (EUROMONITOR, 2014 h). For tobacco, the smoking rate

is also one of the lowest in Europe, in particular due to the high taxes that the government applies

to the product, public awareness campaigns and laws banning the advertising and prohibiting

tobacco consumption for those under 18 (EUROMONITOR, 2014 h). In relation to HIV, the number

of affected has declined in recent years and the government intends to continue its national

strategy to fight the disease while seeking to promote better living conditions for those affected

(NORWAY, 2014, p. 1-2).

Russia (Russian Federation)

As other countries, Russia has faced an increase in the number of obese and overweight

cases, but its rates are still low when compared to the rest of the world. In 2014, 24.1% of Russians

were considered obese: 27.4% of women and 20.3% of men (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,

2015 b). Overweight data revealed that in 2014 58.7% of the population was above its ideal weight

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). Since the end of the Soviet Union, Russia has been

more opened to Western influence and diet habits, thus explaining the trend (EUROMONITOR,

2014 i). Recently, both society and government turned towards a healthier life, pressuring shops

and markets to offer healthier and less caloric products. Moreover, in 2013 the Russian Ministry of

Health initiated a process to ban fast food advertisements (EUROMONITOR, 2014 i).

As for the media, there is some regulation through laws that addresses specific restrictions

over advertising to children, and establishes guidelines on it (HAWKES, 2004). Regarding tobacco

and alcohol consumption, the Russians are prone to it, which explains the low longevity of Russian

men and various health problems that affect the population in general. In 2010, the per capita

consumption of alcohol was 32 liters for men and 12.6 liters for women (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.233). In an effort to tackle the problem, the Russian government

restricted liquor sales: beverages containing more than 15% alcohol cannot be sold from 11:00 pm

to 8:00 am (EUROMONITOR, 2014 i). In addition, the government banned tobacco advertisement

on national radios and TV, as well as its sale through machines (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 m, pp.1-6). Concerning HIV, the number of cases has quickly increased in

the country: consequently, the government, together with a regional alliance, designed a project to

develop public health policy publishing reports to inform people about the situation (CENTER FOR

STRATEGIC & INTERNATIONAL STUIDES, 2015).

Samoa (Independent State of Samoa)

According to the World Health Organization (2015 b; 2015 c) the number of obese people

over 18 went from 41.8% to 43.4% between 2010 and 2014, and overweight cases also had an

increase in the same period, from 73.3% to 74.3%. It is noteworthy that among women the

prevalence of obesity and overweight is higher (51.3% and 80% respectively) than among men

(36% and 69,1% and respectively). In order to tackle this growing trend, Samoa’s government has

launched programs that aim to inform individuals, families and communities about healthy eating

in order to have a healthier lifestyle (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 d).

Regarding young people’s health, it is important to highlight information about alcohol,

tobacco, cigarette and AIDS. According to the World Health Organization (2014, p.281), in 2010

the percentage of alcohol consumers over 15 in Samoa was 8.1%. To tackle the problem, the

government has offered programmes to reduce the harms that alcohol consumption may cause

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 d). Concerning tobacco and cigarettes - both legal

drugs – there is a high consumption in the country: among adolescents over 15, 41% are tobacco

users and 33.8% are cigarette users. Thus, in an effort to restrict consumption, the government

taxed these products, and sponsors anti-smoking campaigns in newspapers, magazines, radio,

television and at points of sale. In addition, there are also anti-smoking laws (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2013 l, pp.1-6). Regarding the spread of AIDS in the country, the incidence of the

disease is small but has grown in the last few years. To contain and reduce it, the government has

given technical assistance and medicines to patients with the disease (SAMOA, 2014, pp.15-22;

2007, pp.2-5).

South Korea (Republic of Korea)

In South Korea, the percentage of obese and overweight people is very low, especially

when compared to other developed countries. In 2014, 5.8% of the population was obese, being

the prevalence among women (6.7%) higher than that among men (4.8%) (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). However, overweight data, though low compared to the rest of the

World, has had an important increase: in 2010, 29.6% of Koreans were above their ideal weight; in

2014, this rate increased to 33.5% (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). The overweight

percentage among children under five also increased: in 2003 the rate was 6.2%, increasing to

6.7% in 2011 (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 a).

Regarding media, commercials are censored by the Korean Broadcasting Commission:

alcohol advertisements, for example, can only be broadcasted after 10 pm with specific rules for

music, models, sociability, health, etc. Under a similar condition, cigarette advertisements can only

appear in magazines, and each brand may have 120 ads per year. Moreover, there are appropriate

communication standards for children in advertisements, and food advertising is also restricted.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2010 alcohol consumption per capita was 37.6

liters for men and 11.5 liters for women (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.280). Korea

has specific national policies related to alcohol: the minimum age for intake, for example, is 19

years. Regarding the prevalence of cigarette use, 7.2% of young people and 27% of adults smoke

cigarettes (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 s). Korean law prohibits smoking in a few

public establishments, and the people caught smoking may be fined (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2013 m, pp.1-6; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, p. 280). Concerning

HIV/AIDS, the government sponsors strategic plans, since 1987, to avoid the rise in the number of

cases of people living with HIV in the country. Overall, the plan consists of programs to prevent

the disease, and programs that offer social support to HIV-positive people, removing the stigma

and prejudice about the disease (KOREA, 2011, pp.3-8).

Spain (Kingdom of Spain)

In Spain, obesity rate is relatively low: in 2014, 23.7% of the population was obese

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). According to the Organization for Cooperation and

Economic Development (2014, p.4), children (5-17 years) obesity rates are 26% for boys and 24%

for girls. Overweight, however, shows a more significant and alarming figure: in 2014, 60.9% of

the population was above its ideal weight. Spanish men are more affected than women: in 2014

66.2% of men were overweight, while 55.7% of women were above the ideal weight (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). The main reasons for such high overweight rate are the

increase in fast food consumption and physical inactivity. Moreover, the economic crisis has

reflected upon eating habits: people prefer less healthy but more affordable food. The situation

has so worsened in recent years that the government enforced, in 2011, the Spanish Law on Food

Safety and Nutrition, which monitors schools in relation to food offered to children, and

encourages physical exercise (EUROMONITOR, 2013 f).

Regarding media, the government influences the industry through laws mainly aimed at

maintaining competition and intellectual property (JIMÉNEZ; SAURA, 2013, p.147). On the issue of

alcohol, such substance consumption has declined in recent years among adults, but continues to

rise among the young (EUROMONITOR, 2013 f). As for tobacco, the consumption also declined in

recent years and new laws have been introduced to protect the public. Since 2011, for example,

smoking in public spaces is prohibited and, since 2006, tobacco advertising and the sale of the

product to minors are also prohibited. However, Spain is home to several manufacturers of

tobacco products, which hinders the implementation of many laws (EUROMONITOR, 2013 f).

Finally, in relation to HIV, the situation is stabilized, and the Spanish government is trying to

improve its program to combat HIV by offering adequacy and cultural adaptation programs for

foreigners especially considering that the new cases are largely derived from foreigners (SPAIN,

2014 p. 8).

United Kingdom (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

Obesity in the United Kingdom is still relatively low, but has shown an important increase

in the least few years: in 2010, 25.5% of the population was obese, and, in 2014, this number rose

to 28.1% (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). As for overweight, the trend is similar: in

2010, 61.3% of British were overweight and, in 2014, this number rose to 63.4%. It is noteworthy

that men are much more affected: in 2014, 68.1% of them were overweight, while 58.8% of

women were above their ideal weight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). The increase

in obesity was due to increased intake by children and adults of food high in sugar, as well as little

physical activity (EUROMONITOR, 2015 b). Considering this, several campaigns were carried out

within the country as a way to encourage healthy eating and exercise. One example is the

Change4Life campaign, which aims to encourage people to ingest less of sugar (EUROMONITOR,

2015 b).

Regarding media and advertisement in the country, the National Secretariat

Communications Officer imposes some restrictions to food and beverage advertisement directed

to children, especially those high in salt, sugar or fat (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014).

With regard to alcohol consumption, the attitude of young people has changed in relation to it,

especially due to the financial crisis and worries about the future (EUROMONITOR, 2015 b). As

for tobacco, its advertising is prohibited on TV, radio, magazines and national newspapers. In

addition, promotional discounts and free distribution of the product were also banned (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 n, pp.1-6). Finally, to combat HIV the government has reformed

parts of its health system including, for example, free access to the treatment of the virus

(UNITED KINGDOM, 2013, p.7; p. 20-22).

United States of America

In the United States, obesity is high: in 2014, 33.7% of the population was obese (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). Overweight data is even more impressive: in 2014, 67.3% of

Americans were overweight. Among men, the results are even worse: in 2014, 72.1% of them were

above their ideal weight (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). Although Americans are

obsessed with diets and ways to lose weight, the vast majority of the population is not eating

healthy or getting thinner (EUROMONITOR, 2015 c). This situation is a result not only of excessive

intake of fast food, but also of eating out, which results in an unbalanced diet. As a result of it, the

government of the United States has developed programs to promote healthier habits, improving

the living standards of Americans (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE, 2010). In

addition, the US government, with the help of representatives from companies such as Kraft,

Kellogg and McDonalds, created the Children's Advertising Review Unit, which aims not to

promote food ads for children aged less than 12 years (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN

SERVICE). As a consequence of this alarming situation, many people, especially children, develop

eating disorders afraid of becoming fat (EUROMONITOR, 2015 c). In order to solve eating

disorders problems, the US government has several rehabilitation clinics and support units to

family, friends and patients of those who suffer from bulimia and anorexia nervosa, such as the

National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders.

Regarding media, the advertising industry is strong in the U.S and responsible for many

consuming habits, like alcohol consumption. According to the World Health Organization (2014,

p.170), there is no regulation over alcoholic beverages advertisement but there are taxes upon

these products: it is also prohibited to drink in public, other than in appropriate places, as

restaurants or bars. In 2010, the alcohol per capita consumption was of 18.1 liter for men and 7.8

liters to women (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.170). Concerning tobacco and

cigarettes - both legal drugs in the country- according to the World Health Organization (2013 u),

17.8% of adults and 12.7% of young people smoke cigarettes. The government has taxes upon

these products and promotes anti-smoking campaigns on radio and television. However, tobacco

and cigarette companies do not have the responsibility to support the campaigns that discourage

the use of these products (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 o, pp.1-6). Regarding the

spread of AIDS, in 2010, the United States launched the National Program HIV / AIDS Strategy

(NHAS) to coordinate the disease combat efforts and reduce it until 2015 (UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA, 2012, pp.1-8).

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)

Obesity in Venezuela is on average and has not raised much in the last few years: in 2014,

24.8% of the population was considered obese and, in 2010, the rate was not much different,

23.3% (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b). However, when considering overweight data,

the numbers are significant: in 2014, 62.3% of the Venezuelans were overweight, evenly

distributed between men and women (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 c). The

overweight percentage among children under five years old in 2003 was 5.3%, and increased to

6.4% in 2009 (WORLD HEALH ORGANIZATION, 2015 a). Noteworthy, while obesity rates are

rising in major cities, malnutrition remains most common in rural areas: a study conducted in 2010

by the National Institute of Nutrition of Venezuela (INN) with a sample of 10,000 young people

aged 5 to 16 years across the country showed that 20% suffered from overweight or obesity, and

16% of malnutrition (EUROMONITOR, 2014 j). To tackle these issues, the Venezuelan

government has prioritized its spending in health care and invested in programs such as the one

promoted by the Ministry of Popular Power for Food (MPPA), which conducted a campaign to

disseminate good eating habits through the media. In addition, small public outdoor gyms have

also been installed in the main squares and public parks, where several sessions of physical

activities are offered. It is also important to highlight that the Venezuelan population is

significantly influenced by the media, which spread a beauty standard based on beauty contests

such as the "misses". These popular TV programs include advertising campaigns that make

reference to products and services, including plastic surgery (EUROMONITOR, 2014 j).

According to the World Health Organization, in 2010, the percentage of alcoholic’s

dependents over 15 years old was 2.9% and people with alcohol intake related disorders were

5.7% (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014, p.172). Venezuela has specific regulations for

advertising alcoholic beverages: health warnings, for example, must be presented to the target

audience. Regarding the prevalence of tobacco use and cigarette, 9.4% of young people and 21.5%

of adults were tobacco users in 2012, and 5.6% of young people and 19.4% of adults were

cigarette users, in 2012, according to the World Health Organization (2013 v). It is important to

note that the Venezuelan law prohibits smoking in some public establishments and offenders can

be fined (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2013 n, pp.1-6). Regarding HIV/ AIDS, the Joint

United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that in 2013 there were 3,000

children aged 0 to 14 years living with HIV and 99,000 adults over 15 years living with the disease,

while there were 4,400 deaths related to the disease (THE JOINT UNITED NATIONS

PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS, 2015).

References:

ADVERSITING STANDARDS AUTHORITY. “Malaysian Code of Advertising Practice”.

Petaling Jaya: Advertising Standards Authority, 2008, pp.22-49. Available at:

<http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/Code-of-Advertising-Practice.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July 2015.

AFGHANISTAN. “Country Progress Report 2014”. Ministry of Public Health, National

AIDS Control Program, March 31, 2014 pp. 5-36. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents/AFG_narrative_report_2014.pd

f>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

AIDSINFO. “Online Database”. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. In: Official

Website of AIDSinfo, 2014. Available at:

<http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/devinfo/libraries/aspx/Home.aspx>. Accessed: 3 July 2015.

“ALCOHOL report lays bare France’s drink problem”. The Local. May 04, 2013. Available

at: <http://www.thelocal.fr/20130304/alcohol-kills-49000-french-people-a-year>. Accessed: 12

July 2015.

AMIN, H. “Report on the State of the Media in Egypt”. The Arab Center for the

Development of the Rule of Law and Integrity, 2007, pp.6-13. Available at:<

http://www.arabruleoflaw.org/Files/PDF/Media/English/P2/Egypt_MediaReportP2_En.pdf>.

Accessed: 13 July 2015.

ARGENTINA. “Informe nacional sobre los progresos realizados en Argentina”. Dirección

de SIDA y ETS, March 31, 2014, pp.3-6. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//ARG_narrative_report_2014.

pdf>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

BIRITWUM, R.; GYAPONG, J.; MENSAH, G. “The epidemiology of obesity in Ghana”. In:

Ghana Medical Journal, September, 2005, vol. 39, n.3, pp. 82-85. Available at:

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1790818/>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

BOLIVIA. “Bolivia: Informe nacional de progresos en la respuesta al VIH/SIDA, 2014”.

Ministry of Health and Sports, March 31, 2014, pp.6-7. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//BOL_narrative_report_2014.p

df>. Accessed: 3 July 2015.

BURKE et al. “Guide to Media and Content Regulation in Asia Pacific”. Chicago: Barker &

McKenzie, 2012. Available at:

<http://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/42136/Guide-to-Media-and-

Content-Regulation-in-Asia-Pacific.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July 2015.

CENTER FOR STRATEGIC & INTERNATIONAL STUIDES. “HIV/AIDS in Russia & Eurasia”.

In: Official Website of Center for Strategic & International Studies, 2015. Available at:

<http://csis.org/program/hivaids>. Accessed: 12 July 2015.

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY. “Afghanistan”. In: CIA World Factbook, 2015 a.

Available at: < https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/af.html>.

Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. “Chad”. In: CIA World Factbook, 2015 b. Available at:

<https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/cd.html>.


CHUKWUONYE, I. et al. “Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult Nigerians – a

systematic review”. In: Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: targets and theraphy, 2013,

vol.6, pp.43-47. Available at: <http://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-of-overweight-and-

obesity-in-adult-nigerians-ndash-a-system-peer-reviewed-article-DMSO#>. Accessed: 13 June

2015.

CUBA. “Proyecciones de la salud pública en Cuba para el 2015”. Ministério de Salud

Pública, Havanna: February, 2006, p.25. Available at:

<http://new.paho.org/hq/dmdocuments/2010/Politicas_Nacionales_Salud-Cuba_2015.pdf>.


DOORDARSHAN. About DD. In: Official Website of Doordarshan, India´s National

Broadcaster, 2015. Available at: <http://www.ddindia.gov.in/AboutDD/pages/Default.aspx>.


EGYPT. “Global AIDS Response Progress Report: Egypt”. Ministry of Health and

Population, 2014, p. 2. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/en/dataanalysis/knowyourresponse/countryprogre

ssreports/2014countries/EGY_narrative_report_2014.pdf>. Accessed: 13 July 2015.

“ELIGE vivir sano”. In: Official Website of Chile Atiende. November 12, 2014. Available at:

<http://www.chileatiende.cl/fichas/ver/10435>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

ELSINGA, S. “New Advertising Law Expected in China”. In: China Briefing, March 4, 2015.

Available at: < http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2015/03/04/new-advertising-law-

expected.html>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

EUROMITOR INTERNATIONAL. “Consumer Lifestyles in Argentine”. In: Euromonitor

International Ltd, 2014 a. Available at:

<http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Bolivia”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2013 a.

Available at: < http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab >. Accessed: 14 June

2015.

______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Brazil”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 b. Available

at: < http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab >. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. “Consumer Lifestyles in China”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2013 b. Available


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Egypt”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 c. Available


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Finland”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 d.

Available at: < http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab >. Accessed: 14 June

2015

______. “Consumer Lifestyles in France”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2013 c.

Available at: <http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab>. Accessed: 14 June 2015

______. “Consumer Lifestyles in India”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2015 a. Available

at: < http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab >. Accessed: 14 June 2015

______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Iran”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2013 d. Available


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Japan”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 e. Available


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Malaysia”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 f.


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Mexico”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2013 e.


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Nigeria”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 g.


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Norway”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 h.


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Russia”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 i. Available


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Spain”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2013 f. Available


______“Consumer Lifestyles in United Kingdom”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2015 b.


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in United States”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2015 c.


______. “Consumer Lifestyles in Venezuela”. In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2014 j.


FINLAND. “Country Progress Report 2012: Finland”. National Institute for Health and

Welfare, 2012, pp.3-9. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//ce_FI_Narrative_Report%5B1

%5D.pdf>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

FRANCE. “Journée mondiale de lutte contre le Sida”. L’Institut de veille sanitaire, Institut

National de prévention er d’education pour la santé, December, 01, 2013, pp.2-23. Available at:


ssreports/2014countries/FRA_narrative_report_2014.pdf>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AFFAIRS OFFICE. “About us: Powers and Duties”. In:

Official Website of Government Communication Affairs Office, Ethiopia, 2014. Available at:

<http://www.gcao.gov.et/web/guest/power-and-duties>. Accessed: 11 June 2015

HASTY, J. “Ghana: Background and General Characteristics”. In: Press Reference, 2015.

Available at: <http://www.pressreference.com/Fa-Gu/Ghana.html>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

HAWKES, C. Marketing Food to Children: the Global Regulatory Environment. World

Health Organization, 2004, 59 p. Available at:

<http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2004/9241591579.pdf>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

INDIA. “Statement containing brief activities of the department of AIDS control in 2013”.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, 2013, 16 p. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//IND_narrative_report_2014.p


IRAN. “Islamic Republic of Iran AIDS Progress Report”. Ministry of Health and Medical

Education, March 2014, pp.7-20. Available at:


ssreports/2014countries/IRN_narrative_report_2014_en.pdf>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

JAFARI-ADLI, S. et al. “Prevalence of obesity and overweight in adults and children in Iran;

a systematic review”. In: Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 2014, vol.13. Available at:


JAPAN. “Report to UNAIDS—HIV/AIDS Trends in Japan”. Ministry of Health, Labour and

Welfare, March, 2014, pp.5-6. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//JPN_narrative_report_2014.p


JIANHUA, Li et. al. “The Chinese government's response to drug use and HIV/AIDS: A

review of policies and programs”. In: Harm Reduction Journal, 2010. Available at:


JIMÉNEZ, N. R; SAURA, L. B; . “Spain”. In: SOUSA, H. et al. “Media Regulators in Europe: A

Cross-Country Comparative Analysis”. Braga: University of Minho, 2013, pp. 147 -168. Available at:

<http://www.lasics.uminho.pt/ojs/index.php/cecs_ebooks/article/viewFile/1546/144>.


JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS. “Brazil”. In: Official Website of

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/brazil>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

______. “Venezuela”. In: Official Website of Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AID,

2015. Available at: <http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/venezuela>.

Accessed: 29 June 2015

KHAN, S. H.; TALUKDER, S. H. “The nutrition transition in Bangladesh: is the country ready

for this double burden”. In: Obesity reviews, September, 2013, v.14, suppl. 2, pp. 1-8. Available at:

<http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shusmita_Khan/publication/257532307_The_Nutrition_

Transition_in_Bangladesh_Is_the_Country_Ready_for_This_Double_Burden/links/00b49526f5e6

62d056000000.pdf> Accessed: 16 July 2015.

KOREA. “HIV/AIDS control in the Republic of Korea”. Korea Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, 2011, pp.3-8. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//ce_KR_Narrative_Report%5B

1%5D.pdf>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

KUWAIT. “Country Progress Report: State of Kuwait”. Ministry of Health, March, 2014,

pp.3-5. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//KWT_narrative_report_2014.


KUWAIT INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. “Collaborations” In: Official Website of

Kuwait Institute For Scientific Research, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.kisr.edu.kw/en/partnering/collaborations>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

MALAYSIA. “Global AIDS Response Progress Report 2014: Malaysia”. Ministry of Health,

2014, pp.2-3. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//MYS_narrative_report_2014.


MATIAS, J. N. “Como ‘pequenas’ nações africanas atraem a atenção Mundial?”. In: Global

Voices, July 13, 2012. Available at: <http://pt.globalvoicesonline.org/2012/07/13/pequenas-

nacoes-africa-atencao-midia/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

“MEDICAMENTO 3 em 1 para tratamento da AIDS começa a ser distribuído em todo o

país”. Portal Brasil. 14 January, 2015. Available in:

<http://www.brasil.gov.br/saude/2015/01/medicamento-3-em-1-para-a-aids-comeca-a-ser-

distribuido-em-todo-o-pais>. Accessed: 13 July 2015.

MEXICO. “Informe nacional de avances en la respuesta al HIV y el Sida”. Secretaria de

Salud, April, 2014, pp.12-29. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//MEX_narrative_report_2014.


NIGERIA. “Global AIDS Response Country Progress Report: Nigeria”. National Agency For

The Control Of HIV, 2014, pp.6-17. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents/NGA_narrative_report_2014.p


NORWAY. “The National HIV strategy in Norway – the report for 2012-2013”. Ministry of

Health, 2014 pp.1-2. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//NOR_narrative_report_2014.


OBSERVATÓRIO DA POLÍTICA NACIONAL DE CONTROLE DO TABACO. “Consumo de

cigarros per capita”. In: Oficial Website of Instituto Nacional do Câncer, 2015. Available at:

<http://www2.inca.gov.br/wps/wcm/connect/observatorio_controle_tabaco/site/home/dados

_numeros/consumo_per_capita>. Accessed: 12 July 2015.

“OMS aprova resolução para progressão da obesidade até 2020”. In: Portal de Angola,

May 28, 2013. Available at: <http://www.portaldeangola.com/2013/05/oms-aprova-resolucao-

para-parar-progressao-da-obesidade-ate-2020/>. Accessed: 10 June 2015.

ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVEOPLMENT. “Obesity

Update 2014”. June, 2014. Available at: <http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/Obesity-

Update-2014.pdf>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

PESSOA, M. “Ausência de uma Lei de Imprensa emperra projetos de mídia em Angola”. In:

Deutsche Welle, August 12, 2013. Available at: <http://www.dw.de/ausência-de-uma-lei-de-

imprensa-emperra-projetos-de-m%C3%ADdia-em-angola/a-17017046>. Accessed: 10 June 2015

SAMOA. “Global AIDS Reporting Progress Report 2013 Samoa”. Ministry of Health, March

31, 2014, pp.15-22. Available at:


ssreports/2014countries/WSM_narrative_report_2014.pdf>. Accessed: 3 July 2015.

______. “Health Sector Plan 2008-2018”. Ministry of Health, 2007, pp.2-5. Available at:

<http://www.wpro.who.int/health_services/samoa_nationalhealthplan.pdf>. Accessed: 14 June

2015.

SPAIN. “Informe nacional sobre los progresos realizados en la aplicación del UNGASS

España”. Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, 2014, p.8. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//ESP_narrative_report_2014.p


TOBACCO CONTROL LAWS. “Bangladesh”. In: Official Website of Tobacco Control Laws,

2013. Available at:

<http://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/country/bangladesh/summary>. Accessed: 5

July 2013.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE. “Stategic Plan: Fiscal years 2010-

2015” In: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2010. Available at:

<http://www.nationalplanningcycles.org/sites/default/files/country_docs/United%20States/n

hp_us.pdf>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

UNITED KINGDOM. “HIV in the United Kingdom: 2013 Report”. Public Health England,

November, 2013, pp.20-22. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//GBR_narrative_report_2014.p


UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND. “Statistics: Afghanistan”. In: Official Website of

United Nations Children’s Fund, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_statistics.html>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

UNITED NATIONS. “WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control”. In: Official

Website ofs United Nations, 2015. Available at:

<https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IX-

4&chapter=9&lang=en>. Accessed: 3 July 2015

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. “United States of America: Country Progress Report”. U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, March, 2012, pp.1-8. Available at:

<http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/country/documents//ce_US_Narrative_Report.pdf>

. Accessed: 3 July 2015.

WORLD BANK. “HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh”. In: Official Website of World Bank, July 2012.

Available at: <http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2012/07/10/hiv-aids-bangladesh>.


WORLD CANCER RESEARCH FUND INTERNATIONAL. “Restrict Food Marketing. In:

Official Website of World Cancer Research Fund International, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.wcrf.org/int/policy/nourishing-framework/restrict-food-marketing>. Accessed: 16

June 2015.

WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME. “Government of Bangladesh and WFP join forces to beat

undernutrition”. In; Official Website of World Food Programme, September, 2013. Available at:

<https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/government-bangladesh-and-wfp-join-forces-beat-

undernutrition>. Accessed: 5 July 2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. “Country Profile: Bangladesh”. Geneva: World Health

Organization, 2004. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/en/bangladesh.pdf>. Accessed: 5 July

2015.

______. "Global Alcohol Report". Geneva: World Health Organization, 2014 p.87-288.

Available at:

<http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/msb_gsr_2014_2.pd

f?ua=1>. Accessed: 3 June 2015.

______. "Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Child nutrition ". In: Official website

of the World Health Organization, 2015 a. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.1731>. Accessed: jun.14.2015.

______. "Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Obesity by Country". In: Official

website of the World Health Organization, 2015 b. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.2450A>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. "Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Overweight by Country". In: Official

website of the World Health Organization, 2015 c. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.2430A>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. "Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Policies, strategies and action plans:

Data by country". In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2015 d. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.2473>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. “Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Antiretroviral therapy coverage data

and estimates by country”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization, 2015 e. Available at:

< http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.626?lang=en> Accessed on: 5 July 2015.

______. “Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Number of people (all ages) living

with HIV estimates by country”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization, 2015 f.

Available at: < http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.620?lang=en> Accessed: 5 July 2015.

______. “NLiS Country Profile: Ethiopia”, Nutrition Landscape Information System. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 g. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/nutrition/landscape/report.aspx?iso=eth>. Accessed: 21 July 2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Afghanistan”.

Geneva: World Health Organization, 2013 a. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/afg.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Angola”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 b. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/ago.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Bolivia”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 c. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/bol.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Chad”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 d. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/tcd.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Chile”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 e. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/chl.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Cuba”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 f. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/cub.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Ethiopia”. Geneva:


<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/eth.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Finland”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 h. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/fin.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Ghana”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 i. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/gha.pdf>. Accessed on: 12

July 2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: India”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 h. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/ind.pdf>. Accessed on: 12

July 2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Iran”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 i. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/irn.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Japan”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 j. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/jpn.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Kuwait”. Geneva:


<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/kwt.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Malaysia”.

Geneva: World Health Organization, 2013 k. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/mys.pdf>. Accessed on: 12

July 2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Mexico”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 k. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/mex.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Nigeria”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 l. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/nga.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Russia”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2015 m. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/rus.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Samoa”. Geneva:

World Health Organization, 2013 l. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/wsm.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Republic of

Korea”. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2013 m. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/kor.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: United Kingdom”.

Geneva: World Health Organization, 2015 n. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/entity/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/gbr.pdf>. Accessed:

12 July 2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: United States”.

Geneva: World Health Organization, 2015 o. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/usa.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

______. “Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2013 - Country profile: Venezuela”.

Geneva: World Health Organization, 2013 n. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/ven.pdf>. Accessed: 12 July

2015.

RELEVANT INFORMATION

WHO PROGRAMMES

Diabetes Program

The WHO Diabetes Program mission is to "prevent diabetes where possible and, where

not possible, to minimize complications and maximize quality of life" (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 d). To achieve this objective, the program operates through the

development of standards, monitoring, encouraging prevention and raising public awareness

towards this disease, especially in countries of low and middle income, which are the most

affected by this disease. According to the World Health Organization, currently 347 million people

worldwide have diabetes and over 80% of them live in low and middle-income countries, and the

WHO projects that diabetes deaths will double between 2005 and 2030. Nevertheless, the

organization also advises that measures such as physical exercise, healthy diet, maintaining a

healthy weight and no tobacco use are some habits that can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Such

habits are also disseminated through the program (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 d,

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 e; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 f).

Thus, from 2002 the program sponsored initiatives and research to solve the problem of

diabetes. In 2009, new criteria to classify and diagnose hyperglycemia were detected for the first

time during a pregnancy by a group of experts convened by the WHO. In addition, the program

also aims to guide national programs, physicians and others involved in patient care to prevent

and control of diabetes; it also oversees the development and adoption of standards and

internationally agreed standards for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, its complications and

risk factors. In addition, information about the disease is found in periodic WHO publications. For

example, Prevention of Blindness by Diabetes Mellitus, Published in 2006; Global Report on the

Status of 2010 Noncommunicable Diseases, Published in 2011; among others (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 d, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 e; WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 f).

Program Init iative Global Health School

The Initiative Global Health School was launched in 1995 and aims to mobilize and

strengthen health promotion and education activities at the local, national, regional and global

arena. The initiative is intended to improve the health of students, school staff, families and other

community members through policies implemented in health promoting schools. These schools

seek to prevent the leading causes of deaths among young people and adults, which are directly

related to products such as alcohol, tobacco, the spread of diseases such as HIV and other habits

that may be harmful to individuals such as physical inactivity and violence. Another goal of the

program is to increase the number of these schools. Although definitions vary, depending on the

need and circumstances, Health Promoting Schools have the ability to promote a healthy

environment to live, learn and work (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 g, WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 h).

The Global School Health Initiative is guided by the Ottawa Charter (1986), the Fourth

International Conference of the Jakarta Declaration on Health Promotion (1997) and the

recommendation of the WHO Expert Committee on Health Promotion for Education (1995). This

global alliance was formed to allow organizations representing teachers and to improve health

through schools. The alliance includes International Education, Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, the Education Development Center, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS

(UNAIDS) and NGTZ (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 g).

Program Tobacco Free Init iative

The Tobacco Free Initiative program establishes tobacco control measures under the

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. By implementing these measures, governments

reduce the heavy burden of disease and deaths that are attributed to tobacco use or exposure to

the product. These measures are generally expressed as laws, regulations, administrative

decisions and actions. According to the Organization, 1 in every 10 cigarettes sold worldwide is

illegal. However, the rate of people who are protected by anti-smoking laws reach only 16% of the

world population. To help countries in the fight against tobacco, the WHO also publishes regular

reports on the situation around the world as a way to guide countries in their national policies. The

WHO also points out that deaths from tobacco use are among the easiest to avoid, since it is

sufficient just to stop consuming the product (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 i; WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 j: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 k).

Tobacco control is based on an underlying ethical framework that recognizes people's

rights to life, health and freedom. Through surveillance and monitoring of tobacco use, the

Tobacco Free Initiative of the WHO aims to improve the availability of surveillance data on

tobacco use and exposure, and the resulting health outcomes. The program also encourages the

use of standards and protocols based on scientific evidence to survey data to develop the ability to

drive and implement research, and disseminate and use the results and also develop, maintain and

report data to monitor policies for tobacco control. (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 i;

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 j; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 k).

Commission for the Eradication of Childhood Obesity

The Commission for the Eradication of Childhood Obesity is a WHO committee headed by

Dr. Sania Nishtar and Mr. Peter Gluckman, who coordinate a team of researchers from various

fields separated in two groups. The first group entitled Ad hoc Working Group on Science and

Evidence aims to collect samples, evidence, and conduct research on a specific topic. As the term

“Ad Hoc” implies, this group has the specific purpose of analyzing issues related to obesity. It is

made up of professionals in the fields of epidemiology, pediatrics, nutrition, health, marketing

among others (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015). Performing estimates of the existence

of childhood obesity and its consequences, the group will assess the economic impact of childhood

obesity, examine the evidence in the prevention of disease and the ability to reverse the effects of

obesity on children, assessing and recommending the best policies and projects combinations to

achieve the desired goals. In addition, the group monitors regions around the world to check the

existence of the disorder and the effects of the practiced policies (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 a; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b; WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 c).

The second group, called Ad hoc Support Groups for Implementation, Monitoring and

Accountability, like the previous one, is a group focused only on issues related to obesity,

comprising representatives from governments, civil society, interest groups and professionals in

the areas of monitoring. This group aims to develop a scenario for the implementation of policies

and projects recommended by the first group to develop mechanisms to monitor the

recommended policies, assess the feasibility of monitoring such policies, and ensure that

countries are not unduly punished for reports to be carried out by the committee. The reports

prepared by the committee are submitted to its directors and subsequently sent to the managing

editor of the WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, which evaluates the compiled content (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 a; WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015 b; WORLD HEALTH

ORANIZATION, 2015 c).

References:

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. “Comission on Ending Childhood Obesity”. In: Official

Website of World Health Organization, 2015 a. Available at: <http://www.who.int/end-

childhood-obesity/en/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “Comission on Ending Childhood Obesity: About the work of the Commission”. In:

Official Website of World Health Organization, 2015 b. Available at: <http://www.who.int/end-

childhood-obesity/about/en/>. Accessed: 11 July 2015.

______. “Comission on Ending Childhood Obesity: Ad hoc Working Groups”. In: Official

Website of World Health Organization, 2015 c. Available at: <http://www.who.int/end-

childhood-obesity/commissioners/en/>. Accessed: 11 July 2015.

______. “Diabetes Programme: About the Diabetes Programme”. In: Official Website of

World Health Organization, 2015 d. Available at: <http://www.who.int/diabetes/goal/en/>.


______. “Diabetes Programme: World Diabetes Day 2014”. In: Official Website of World

Health Organization, 2015 e. Available at: <http://www.who.int/diabetes/en/>. Accessed: 12

June 2015.

______. “Media Centre: Diabetes”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization, 2015

f. Available at: <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/>. Accessed: 12 June

2015.

______. “School and youth health: Global School Health Initiative”. In: Official Website of


<http://www.who.int/school_youth_health/gshi/en/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “School and youth health: School health and youth health promotion”. In: Official

Website of World Health Organization, 2015 h. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/school_youth_health/en/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “Tobacco Free Initiative”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization, 2015 i.

Available at: < http://www.who.int/tobacco/en/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “Tobacco Free Initiative: Implementing tobacco control”. In: Official Website of

World Health Organization, 2015 i. Available at: <http://www.who.int/tobacco/control/en/>.


______. “Tobacco Free Initiative: Surveillance and monitoring”. In: Official Website of


<http://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/en/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “Tobacco Free Initiative: Tobacco control economics”. In: Official Website of

World Health Organization, 2015 k. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/tobacco/economics/en/>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

REGIONAL OFFICES OF WHO

In addition to its headquarters, the World Health Organization has six regional offices,

each with its own headquarters. Currently, the organization has 194 Member States and more than

7,000 employees (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2015). The Organization division allows its

offices to focus regionally in order to adopt tailored-made programs to combat regional diseases,

as each region of the planet has its own difficulties. The regional offices are: African Region,

America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific. The offices can

choose to join the global programs developed by the WHO that better suit their region.

African Region

The regional office is headed by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, whose mandate will last for five

years. His predecessor, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, coordinated the office for 10 years (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA, 2015 b). As in many areas of the

world, obesity rates in the African region are growing, so the population suffers from diseases

resulting from overweight, like high blood pressure, heart attacks and a variety of cancers

(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA, 2015 c).

Moreover, as previous studies have stressed, obesity is the result of unbalanced diet,

sedentary lifestyle, genetics, and cultural belief. Thus, the Organization has developed programs in

order to soften the impact of obesity in society: the Nutrition and Food Security Programme, for

example, aims at improving, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies, programs and

strategies in order to achieve the greatest number of individuals of Member States, helping them

get the ideal food balance (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA,

2015 b).

Another prominent initiative is the Child and Adolescent Health Programme, which aims at

improving the quality of life of adolescents and children; the Organization points out that one

major cause of death for children under 5 years is malnutrition. Finally, it is noteworthy The Health

Risk Factors Programme, which objective is to improve strategies to prevent and control the risk

factors that influence eating disorders, from economical to cultural (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA, 2015 a).

Region of the Americas

Headquartered in Washington DC, the regional office for the Americas, also known as Pan-

American Health Organization (PAHO), was established in 1902 and is considered the oldest

international health agency. PAHO consists of three governing bodies: the Pan American Sanitary

Conference, the Board and the Executive Committee, which, in turn, is assisted by the

Subcommittee on Program, Budget and Administration (PAN AMERICAN HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 b).

Among the many programs structured by PAHO, the Health Information and Analysis

investigates the situation of public health by identifying the needs and priorities of inequalities in

health, and monitors the actions and policies adopted to overcome these problems. In addition,

the program operates through cooperative action among Member States in order to consolidate

the data collected, and provide better results in health (PAN AMERICAN HEALTH

ORGANIZATION, 2015 a).

Moreover, the Organization has a strong focus on young and adolescents’ health. In this

sense, it has developed the Adolescents and Youth Regional Strategy and Plan of Action: 2010-

2018 to analyze the main problems and disorders from these groups. Among young and

adolescents, malnutrition and obesity are becoming major public health problems in the region. To

fight these problems, PAHO develops obesity prevention policies through the promotion of urban

agriculture, balanced diet programs at schools, regulations over marketing and advertising of

foods, and physical education programs (ORGANIZACIÓN PANAMERICANA DE LA SALUD, 2010

pp. 14-22).

Europe Region

The European regional office comprises 53 countries in a vast region from the Atlantic to

the Pacific Ocean. Its headquarters are located in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the office is a

scientific expert in the public health of its member countries (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE 2015 d). In 2006, the countries under the responsibility of this

office signed the European Charter on Counteracting Obesity, which contains important actions

and goals to be pursued by the region (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE

FOR EUROPE, 2015 b)

Among extensive publications on the health of Europeans, the Marketing of foods high in

fat, salt and sugar to children provides information about the marketing of food and drinks

directed to children, also showing the changes that have occurred in recent decades. The paper

examines the evolution of marketing methods in parallel with the evolution of the media and

electronics (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE, 2015 c).

In addition, the WHO office in Europe also presents a publication that explains the

prevalence of smoking within the European region, especially among women and girls. The

purpose of Women's Empowerment: Fighting against the consumption of tobacco in Europe, is to

present the best examples of tobacco control policies and programs in all the world countries in

order to decrease their consumption of this drug (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL

OFFICE FOR EUROPE, 2015 a).

Southeast Asian region

The World Health Organization for Southeast Asia (WHO SEARO) dates from 1948, being

the oldest regional office. Dedicated to improve life conditions in the region, SEARO’s efforts, since

its establishment, resulted in important landmarks like higher life expectancies, lower mortality

rates and eradication of important diseases. Furthermore, it provides support in matters of health,

articulates policy options based on data collected, and continues to help Member States to

monitor the health of its population. Among the countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic

People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and

Timor-Leste (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA,

2015 c).

Among the many projects of the regional office is the Being Healthy is as easy as ABCDE,

which provides information on cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer,

obesity and overweight, which represent the leading cause of premature deaths in the region. As

these diseases affect most of the population, the project seeks to include partnerships with

governments, civil society, international organizations and the private sector (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA, 2015 a).

Moreover, the office sponsored the Regional Consultation on Safe Street Foods, which

presents some information regarding health patterns that street food must follow: in this region,

"street food" has assumed cultural, economic and social dimensions since it contributes to more

affordable prices of food and generates informal jobs. The Organization addresses

comprehensively the challenge of public health in relation to these foods. In addition, the report

includes national roadmaps for strengthening and promotion of "street food" on Asia (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA, 2015 b).

Eastern Mediterranean Region

The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as other offices, aims at

coordinating public health within the United Nations system. The Regional Office is responsible for

21 Member States and the occupied Palestinian territories (Gaza Strip and West Bank), caring for

approximately 583 million people. This office works in alliance with country offices, governments,

specialized agencies and other actors related to public health in order to create health policies and

support public health systems. The regional office has a representation at the World Health

Assembly and is composed of two bodies: the WHO Executive Board and the Regional Committee

of the Eastern Mediterranean (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR

EASTERN MEDITERRAN, 2015 a).

One of the Eastern Mediterranean projects is The health and education programme, which

has the objective to provide technical support to Member States in order to strengthen national

capacity; foster and effectively promote health through education programs and policies; identify

creative funding sources to promote interventions and health education; and generate evidence of

efficiency and effectiveness of programs and policies. All these goals are realized through the

establishment of promotional structures and health education with the ministries of health of each

country. The program also seeks to increase the participation of communities in health promotion,

disseminating important information and improving research on health (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EASTERN MEDITERRAN, 2015 b).

Another program of this regional office is the Health Promotion in the Media, which

establishes a partnership with important institutions from the media sector, such as Thomson

Reuters Foundation, Agence France-Presse Foundation, and the Arab States Broadcasting Union in

order to strengthen the skills of journalists in this region and improve their understanding of the

public health problems of each country. During the training of journalists, the WHO discloses

information about the public health problems of each country in order of priority (WORLD

HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EASTERN MEDITERRAN, 2015 c).

The Western Pacif ic Region

The Regional Office of the Western Pacific is headquartered in Manila, the Philippines: its

role, as other offices, is to foster public health conditions and initiatives. To this end, it has a

number of partnerships involving not only state officials, but also all sectors of society. Some of

the health activities conducted by the Office include research, assessments, campaign awareness

and resource mobilization. Its "goal is the pursuit of leadership for answers to the issues involving

public health in all its dimensions, whether medical, technical, socio-economic, cultural, legal and

political" (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR WESTERN PACIFIC, 2015

c). The office is responsible for almost 1.8 billion people, including 37 nations, with different health

conditions from Japan, Australia and New Zealand, to the poorest ones (WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR WESTERN PACIFIC, 2015 a; WORLD HEALTH

ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR WESTERN PACIFIC, 2015 c).

One important initiative is The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

established in 2011, an initiative of some Pacific Western countries in partnership with other WHO

regional offices and other agencies and public health institutions in these countries, which main

objective is to identify, research and analyze public health problems in the countries and create

policies to overcome them. In addition, the program also seeks dialogue with stakeholders,

academy members, among others, as a way to foster the program's effectiveness (ASIA PACIFIC

OBSERVATORY ON HEALTH SYSTEMS AND POLICIES, 2013).

Also noteworthy is the Western Pacific Regional Action Plan for the Prevention and

Control of NCDs (2014-2020) adopted at the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Council for the

Western Pacific. The plan brings a set of actions for states in the region, covering the current

context, opportunities and prospects for the future. The Action Plan addresses the foster the fight

against NCDs's through the mobilization of sectors such as education, urban development, and

health sector (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR WESTERN PACIFIC,

2015 b).

References:

ASIA PACIFIC OBSERVATORY ON HEALTH SYSTEMS AND POLICIES. “About us”. In

Official Website of The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, 2013. Available

at: < http://www.wpro.who.int/asia_pacific_observatory/about/en/> Accessed: 11 July 2015.

ORGANIZACIÓN PANAMERICANA DE LA SALUD. "Estrategia y plan de acción regional

sobre los adolescentes y jóvenes: 2010 - 2018". Washington DC: Organización Panamericana de la

Salud, 2010. Available at: <http://new.paho.org/hq/dmdocuments/2011/Estrategia-y-Plan-de-

Accion-Regional-sobre-los-Adolescentes-y-Jovenes.pdf>. Accessed: 12 June 2015

PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION. “Health Information and Analysis”. In:

Official Website of Pan American Health Organization, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3564&Itemid=364

4&lang=en>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “Key Facts about PAHO”. In: Official Website of Pan American Health

Organization, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92&Itemid=40697

&lang=en>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. “About WHO: WHO - its people and offices”. In:

Official Website of World Health Organization, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/about/structure/en/>. Accessed: 11 July 2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA. “Child and

Adolescent Health”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization Regional Office For Africa,

2015 a. Available at: <http://www.afro.who.int/en/clusters-a-programmes/frh/child-and-

adolescent-health.html>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “Food Safety and Nutrition”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Africa, 2015 b. Available at: <http://www.afro.who.int/en/clusters-a-

programmes/hpr/food-safety-and-nutrition-fan.html>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

______. “WHO in the African Region”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Africa, 2015 c. Available at: <http://www.afro.who.int/en/who-in-the-african-

region.html>. Accessed: 12 June 2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EASTERN MEDITERRAN.

“WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: About us”. In: Official Website of World Health

Organization Regional Office For Eastern Mediterran, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.emro.who.int/entity/about-us/index.html>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. “WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Health education and promotion”. In:

Official Website of World Health Organization Regional Office For Eastern Mediterran, 2015.

Available at: <http://www.emro.who.int/health-education/about/>. Accessed: 11 July 2015.

______. “WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Health promotion in the media”. In: Official

Website of World Health Organization Regional Office For Eastern Mediterran, 2015. Available at:

<http://www.emro.who.int/health-promotion-media/about-the-programme/index.html>.


WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE. “Empower women:

Facing the challenge of tobacco use in Europe”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Europe, 2015 a. Available at: <http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-

topics/disease-prevention/tobacco/publications/2015/empower-women-facing-the-challenge-

of-tobacco-use-in-europe>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

______. “Health topics: Obesity - Policy”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Europe, 2015 b. Available at: <http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-

topics/noncommunicable-diseases/obesity/policy>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

______. “Marketing of foods high in fat, salt and sugar to children: update 2012–2013”. In:

Official Website of World Health Organization Regional Office For Europe, 2015 c. Available at:

<http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-

diseases/obesity/publications/2013/marketing-of-foods-high-in-fat,-salt-and-sugar-to-children-

update-20122013>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

______. “WHO European Region”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Europe, 2015 d. Available at: <http://www.euro.who.int/>. Accessed: 13 June

2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA.

“Noncommunicable diseases” In: Official Website of World Health Organization Regional Office

For South-East Asia, 2015 a. Available at:

<http://www.searo.who.int/entity/noncommunicable_diseases/en/>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

______. “Regional Consultation on Safe Street Foods” In: Official Website of World Health

Organization Regional Office For South-East Asia, 2015 b. Available at:

<http://www.searo.who.int/entity/foodsafety/documents/sea_nut_184/en/>. Accessed: 3 July

2015.

______. “WHO in South-East Asia: History of the WHO South-East Asia Region”. In: Official

Website of World Health Organization Regional Office For South-East Asia, 2015 c. Available at: <

http://www.searo.who.int/about/history/en/>. Accessed: 13 June 2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR WESTERN PACIFIC.

“Countries and areas”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization Regional Office For

Western Pacific, 2015 a. Available at: <http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/en/>. Accessed: 14

June 2015.

______. “Noncommunicable diseases”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Western Pacific, 2015 b. Available at:

<http://www.wpro.who.int/noncommunicable_diseases/about/ncd_regional_action_plan_2014-

2020/en/>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

______. “WHO Western Pacific Region”. In: Official Website of World Health Organization

Regional Office For Western Pacific, 2015 c. Available at: <http://www.wpro.who.int/about/en/

>. Accessed: 14 June 2015.

GENERAL DATA

Data on Obesity According to the World Health Organization (2015 c), obesity has more than doubled

worldwide since 1980. The tables below seek to highlight the rapid evolution of this disease from

the late twentieth century to the present day countries. It is clear that obesity is not an isolated

problem in developed countries. Quite contrary, it is a bigger problem in developing countries,

which often have to deal with the increase in non-communicable diseases, especially caused by

obesity and overweight. According to the Organization, such increase is due, among other factors,

to the cheapening of manufactured products, which have lower nutritional values and higher

added sugar, fat and preservatives. The table below brings more information on the topic.

Table 1 - Evolution of obesity in people over 15 years in selected countries in higher order of

prevalence in 2014 (%)

Country 1980 1990 2000 2010 2014

United States 14.0 15.9 23.6 36.8 41.9

Venezuela 11.5 12.8 19.1 31.1 36.2

México 12.9 14.3 20.0 30.9 35.5

New Zealand 11.4 12.2 17.5 29.3 34.5

Chile 10.3 11.5 17.4 28.9 33.7

Egypt 18.8 20.5 25.9 31.6 32.8

Uruguay 10.1 11.2 16.8 27.7 32.4

Australia 10.3 12.6 17.8 26.0 29.4

United

Kingdom 9.1 12.9 20.0 25.4 26.9

Russian

Federation 18,50 19,10 21,50 25,20 26,60

Argentina 11.7 12.5 17.1 23.9 26.1

Bolivia 6.3 6.8 10.6 20.4 24.9

Germany 15.5 16.2 18.8 22.6 24.0

Hungary 15.0 15.7 18.2 21.8 23.2

Iran 8.8 10.3 16.1 21.7 23.0

Canada 12.6 13.6 15.5 19.0 20.5

Brazil 4.7 5.1 8.0 16.2 20.3

Colombia 4.4 4.8 7.2 15.0 19.2

Israel 10.7 11.3 13.9 17.4 18.7

Czech

Republic 11.3 11.9 14.3 17.5 18.7

Greece 8.5 9.2 12.3 16.9 18.6

Turkey 12.0 12.8 14.7 16.9 17.7

Spain 10.3 10.8 12.6 15.6 16.9

Finland 7.1 8.4 11.2 14.8 16.2

Malaysia 9.0 9.5 11.4 14.5 15.8

Ukraine 10.2 10.6 12.2 14.5 15.3

France 6.4 7.2 8.3 12.1 15.2

Morocco 8.0 8.4 10.2 12.8 13.9

Austria 7.3 7.6 9.1 12.1 13.4

Sweden 5.3 5.9 8.3 11.6 12.8

Norway 6.3 6.5 7.7 10.2 11.4

Italy 6.3 6.7 8.0 10.2 11.3

China 1.5 1.6 2.4 6.1 8.5

Nigeria 2.0 2.1 3.2 6.0 7.4

China, Hong

Kong 0.9 0.9 1.4 4.8 7.2

Republic of

Korea 0.3 0.2 0.5 4.7 5.4

Pakistan 1.0 1.1 1.6 3.4 4.3

Indonesia 1.3 1.3 1.6 2.8 3.4

Japan 1.8 2.1 2.9 3.3 3.4

India 0.7 0.7 1.1 2.2 2.8

Source: Euromonitor International (2015)

Table 2 - Evolution of overweight people over 15 years in selected countries in higher order of

prevalence in 2014 (%)

Country 1980 1990 2000 2010 2014

Germany 40.2 40.2 40.2 40.6 40.6

Greece 43.8 43.2 41.6 40.2 39.8

Norway 20.7 26.2 33.0 37.9 39.2

Spain 33.8 34.1 35.5 38.0 38.3

Venezuela 34.8 36.1 39.2 39.3 38.1

Turkey 33.4 34.4 36.1 37.6 38.0

Uruguay 35.0 35.7 37.8 38.4 37.6

United

Kingdom 31.7 34.8 38.2 37,8 37.5

Mexico 33.9 35.3 38.6 38.4 37.1

Hungary 31.8 32.5 34.3 36.1 36.5

Australia 30.3 33.1 36.4 36.7 36.0

Colombia 31,90 32.8 34,9 36.2 36.0

Bolivia 36.3 36.4 36.7 36.3 35.7

Israel 32.3 32.8 33.9 35.2 35.5

Italy 31.8 32.3 33.5 34.9 35.4

Chile 32.1 33.3 36.2 36.4 35.3

Argentina 32.4 33.8 36.9 36.6 35.3

Austria 33.6 34.0 34.7 35.2 35.3

China 11.0 12.0 17.8 30.0 35.1

Czech

Republic 32.8 33.4 34.6 35.1 35.0

Iran 20.8 22.4 28.1 34.0 34.7

Sweden 30.2 30.6 32.0 34.0 34.5

Finland 29.0 30.4 32.8 33.5 33.5

Canada 32.4 32.6 33.2 33.5 33.4

Egypt 40.7 38.8 36.0 33.5 33.0

New Zealand 28.9 30.5 34.3 34.1 32.6

Brazil 26.7 27.2 29.0 31.5 32.1

Russian

federation 27.4 28.2 30.0 31.6 32.0

Ukraine 27.3 28.0 29.8 31.5 31.9

Republic of

Korea 11.9 13.4 19.8 29.2 31.8

United States 31.7 32.4 34.3 32.6 30.9

Malaysia 22.2 23.0 25.4 28.3 29.1

France 23.7 24.2 25.6 27.6 28.4

Morocco 25.2 25.5 26.1 27.0 27.3

China, Hong

Kong 6.3 6.8 10.6 21.2 26.1

Pakistan 11.3 12.3 16.5 22.8 25.1

Nigeria 9.6 10.6 14.6 20.4 22.4

Japan 17.7 19.3 20.8 21.7 21.9

Indonesia 10.8 11.6 14.1 17.7 18.9

India 6.9 7.7 10.9 16.0 18.0

Source: Euromonitor International (2015)

Another issue listed by the Organization refers to childhood obesity. According to the

World Health Organization (2014 a), childhood obesity is increasing rapidly in some countries,

especially in developing ones, where childhood obesity grows 30% more than in developed

nations. The table below draws attention to the rapid growth of this disease and the contradictory

situation of some countries, which have high malnutrition rates and a considerable number of

obese children.

Table 3 - Children under 5 years overweight (including obese) and underweight (%)

Country Overweight Underweight

Afghanistan 4.6 32.9

Germany 3.5 1.1

Angola - 15.6

Argentina 9.9 2.3

Australia 8.0 0.2

Bangladesh 1.6 31.9

Bolivia 8.7 4.5

Brazil 7.3 2.2

Chad 2.8 30.3

Chile 10.1 0.5

China 6.6 3.4

Colombia 4.8 3.4

Egypt 20.5 6.8

United States of America 6.0 0.5

Ethiopia 1.8 29,2

Ghana 2.6 13.4

India 1.9 43.5

Indonesia 11.5 19.9

Iran - 4.6

Jamaica 4.0 3.2

Kuwait 9.5 2.2

Lebanon 16.7 4.2

Libya 22.4 5.6

Malaysia - 13.9

Morocco 10.7 3.1

México 9.0 2.8

Mozambique 7.9 15.6

Nigeria 4.9 31.0

Pakistan 4.8 31.6

Paraguay 7.1 3.4

Republic of Korea 6.7 0.6

Syria 17.9 10.1

Turkey 9.1 3.5

Uruguay 7.7 4.5

Venezuela 6.4 2.9

Source: Our elaboration from World Health Organization (2015 b)

Table 4 - Prevalence of children under 5 years underweight by region (%)

Region Prevalence

Africa 24.6

America 2.0

Eastern Mediterranean 26.6

Europe 1.5

South-East Asia 13.6

Western Pacific 3.9

Source: World Health Organization (2014 b)

Finally, an important factor to be considered is the issue of advertisement directed to

children. The WHO has recognized the importance of regulating advertising to this audience as a

way to combat the high rates of obesity. The table below seeks to inform the measures that each

country has taken regarding the regulation of advertising (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,

2015 a).

Table 5 - Legal Standards and self-regulation relating to television advertising to children in

selected countries

Area

Statutory

guidelines on

advertising to

children

Self-regulatory

guidelines on

advertising to

children

Specific

restrictions

on advertising

to children

Ban on child

targeted

advertising

Germany X X X

Argentina X

Australia X X X

Austria X X X

Bangladesh

Belgium X X X

Bolivia

Brazil X X

Canada X X X

Chile X

China X

China, Hong

Kong X

Colombia X

Spain X X X

United States of

America X X

Russian

Federation X X X

Finland X X X

France X X X

Greece X X X

Netherlands X X

Hungary X X

India X X

Indonesia X

Israel X X

Italy X X X

Japan X

Kuwait

Malaysia X X X

Mexico X

Mozambique

Nigeria X

Norway X X X X

New Zealand X X

Pakistan X

Paraguay X X

Quebec X X

United Kingdom X X X

Republic of

Korea X X X

Czech Republic X X X

Sweden X X X X

Turkey X X X

Uruguay X X

Venezuela X X

Source: HAWKES (2004)

References:

EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL. "Statistics". In: Euromonitor International Ltd, 2015.

Available at: <http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/statistics/rankcountries>. Accessed:

13 July 2015.

HAWKES, C. Marketing Food to Children: the Global Regulatory Environment. World

Health Organization, 2004, 59 p. Available at:

<http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2004/9241591579.pdf>. Accessed: 13 July 2015.

WORD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. "Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity: Facts and

figures on childhood obesity." In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2014 a.

Available at: <http://www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity/facts/en/>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

______. "Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Child nutrition". In: Official website

of the World Health Organization, 2015 a. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.1731>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

______. "Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health: Marketing of foods and non-

alcoholic beverages to children". In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2015 b.

Available at: <http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/marketing-food-to-children/en/>.


______. "Health Statistics 2014". : World Health Organization, 2014 b. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/112738/1/9789240692671_eng.pdf> Accessed: 14

July 2015.

______. "Media Centre: Obesity and Overweight". In: Official website of the World Health

Organization, 2015 c. Available at: <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/>.


Data on Eating Disorders With the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses, eating disorders are now a major

obstacle to the health of many men and women (EATING DISORDER FOUNDATION, 2013).

Although the number of cases has remained constant in most Western countries, these values are

high and increasing in Eastern countries. One of the main reasons for the increase is the

rapprochement of these countries with the Western culture, which is characterized by social

pressure due to current standards of beauty (MAKINO et. al, 2004). Although there are several

studies in the area, there is no consensus among the medical community about the origins of

eating disorders.

Nevertheless, a study by Smink et. al. (2012) also demonstrated that anorexia and bulimia

levels are stable in Europe. It also draws attention to the possibility of disturbances in fewer cases

among children under 12. The Eating Disorder Foundation (2013) draws attention to this fact

showing that 52% of women start dieting before 12, which made the average age of girls who start

dieting fall from 14, in 1970, to 8, in 1990 (see table below).

Table 6 - Bulimia Nervosa prevalence in selected countries (%)

Prevalence Country

Men Women

Hungary 0.0-0.8 1.0-1.3

Germany 2.1 2.4

Norway 0.7 7.3

Canada 0.1 1.1

Austria 0.3 0.3

Japan 0.7 1.9

Iran - 3.2

China, Hong Kong - 0.46

Egypt - 1.2

Source: Own elaboration with data from MAKINO et. al, (2004)

Table 7- Anorexia Nervosa prevalence in selected countries (%)

Prevalence Country

Men Women

Italy - 1.3

Norway 0.8 5.7

United Kingdom - 0.1

Iran - 0.9

Source: Own elaboration with data from MAKINO et. al, (2004)

References:

EATING DISORDER FOUNDATION. "About Eating Disorders". In: Official website of the

Eating Disorder Foundation, 2013. Available at:

<http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/EatingDisorders.htm>. Accessed: 15 July 2015.

MAKINO, M et al. "Prevalence of Eating Disorders: a comparison of Western and Non-

Western countries". In: US National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine, no. 3, vol.

6, 2004, pp. 1-19. Available at: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1435625/>.


SMINK, F et al. "Epidemiology of Eating Disorders: Incidence, Prevalence and Mortality

Rates." In: US National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine, no. 4, vol. 14, 2012, pp.

406-414. Available at:

<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3409365/?report=classic/>. Accessed: 15

July 2015.

Data on Young’s Health According to the World Health Organization (2014 a), in 2012 about 1.3 million

adolescents died, and most of these deaths could have been prevented. The main causes of

deaths are mostly related to the abuse of alcohol and tobacco, to teenage pregnancy and

AIDS. According to the Organization (2014 a), in 2010 49 in every 1,000 women aged 15 to

19 gave birth. Most cases occurred in low and middle-income countries. Due to the young

age and the lack of necessary care, teenage pregnancy has become the second leading

cause of death among young women.

Table 8 - Number of pregnant women with AIDS receiving treatment (%)

Region Amount

Africa 59

America 70

Eastern Pacific 39

Europe >95

South-East Asia 16

Western Mediterranean 6

Source: World Health Organization (2013)

According to the World Health Organization (2014 a), there are currently 2 million

people living with AIDS in the world. Although the number of deaths related to AIDS has

decreased, the Organization points to an increased rate among adolescents, especially in

Africa, due to lack of necessary information about the virus and its forms of proliferation, as

well as the proper use of condoms. The Organization states that in sub-Saharan Africa, only

10% of men and 15% of young women between 15 and 24 are aware of their status as

carriers of the virus. The situation deteriorated so much in recent years that the AIDS-

related deaths more than tripled compared to 2000, and became the second leading cause

of death among young people in 2012. In 2000, AIDS-related deaths were not among the 10

leading causes of death among young people (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2014 a;

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION 2015 c).

Table 9 - Mortality rate due to AIDS per 100,000 habitants

Region 2001 2011

Africa 219.0 139.0

America 12.0 9.0

Eastern Pacific 2.4 4.4

Europe 5.0 11.0

South-East Asia 14.0 12.0

Western Mediterranean 4.8 7.7


Table 10 - AIDS prevalence per 100,000 habitants

Region 2001 2011

Africa 3095 2725

America 298 319

Eastern Pacific 40 72

Europe 188 263

South-East Asia 215 189

Western Mediterranean 76 113


One of the main problems related to the health of young people is alcohol abuse.

According to the World Health Organization (2015 a), there are approximately 3.3 million

deaths per year due to the misuse of alcohol, which represents about 5.9% of all deaths. The

organization draws attention to the effects of inappropriate use of the substance, which can

cause more than 200 types of disabilities and diseases. The following tables from the World

Health Organization (2014 b) show that the problem of alcohol abuse is an issue that must

be taken seriously and draws attention to the alarming numbers of young people who are

already users.

Table 11 - Proportion of individuals who drink, have drunk and stopped and never drank

between 15 and 19 years (%)

Region Drink Drank once but not

anymore Never Drank

Africa 29.3 12.3 58.0

America 52.7 18.3 29.0

Eastern Pacific 37.3 14.0 8.7

Europe 69.5 14.5 15.9

South-East Asia 8.2 5.9 85.8

Western

Mediterranean 10.0 7.3 82.7


Table 12 - Prevalence of serious episodes of drinking among young people 15-19 years

compared with adults (%)

Region Adults (+15) Young (15-19)

Africa 5.7 6.3

America 13.7 18.4


Europe 16.5 31.2



Source: Own elaboration with data from World Health Organization (2014 b)

Another problem monitored by the Organization is the issue of tobacco and its

health effects. According to the World Health Organization (2015 d), there are about 6

million deaths per year due to tobacco use and 600,000 deaths from exposure of

nonsmokers to smokers. The Organization also reports that about 40% of children have at

least one smoking parent, which often leaves them exposed to harmful substances.

A study by the World Bank (1999) sought to highlight the link between education

and tobacco use. According to the study, larger tobacco consumption is associated with a

low educational level, which explains the recent drop in tobacco consumption in rich

countries, and draws attention to the increase of tobacco consumption in developing

nations. Currently, according to the World Health Organization (2015 d), about 80% of

global smokers are in low and middle-income countries.

Table 13 – Prevalence of tobacco use in individuals over 15 years in 2012 (%)

Region Men Women

Africa 2.4 24.2

America 13.3 22.8


Europe 19.3 39.0




Table 14 - Prevalence of smokers over 15 years in selected regions from 2007 to 2014 (%)

Region Men Women

Africa - -

America 13.8 17.0


Europe - -




References:

UNITED NATIONS. "UN DATE: Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women

ages 15-19)". In: Official website of the United Nations, 2015. Available at:

<http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?d=WDI&f=Indicator_Code%3ASP.ADO.TFRT>. Accessed:

15 July 2015.

WORLD BANK. Curbing the epidemic - Governments and the economics of tobacco

control. Washington DC: World Bank, 1999. Available at: <http://www-

wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2000/08/02/0000

94946_99092312090116/Rendered/PDF/multi_page.pdf>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. "Adolescents: health risks and solutions." In:

Official website of the World Health Organization, 2014 a. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs345/en/>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

______. "Alcohol". In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2015 a.

Available at: <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs349/en/>. Accessed: 14 July

2015.

______. "Global Health Observatory Data Repository: Tobacco use by WHO Region".

In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2015 b. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.1805REG?lang=en/>. Accessed: 5 July 2015.

______. Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014. : World Health

Organization, 2014 b. Available at:

<http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/112736/1/9789240692763_eng.pdf>


______. "Maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health: Adolescent health

epidemiology". In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2015 c. Available at:

<http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/epidemiology/adolescence/en/>.


______. "Tobacco". In: Official website of the World Health Organization, 2015 d.

Available at: <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs339/en/>. Accessed: 14 July

2015.

______. World Health Statistics 2013. : World Health Organization, 2013. Available

at:

<http://www.who.int/gho/publications/world_health_statistics/EN_WHS2013_Full.pdf>


ANNEXES

News #1 - Software will help in weight management and obesity prevention in the workplace

The application is free and can be accessed by public and private institutions to stimulate

healthy habits in the corporate environment

During the week of Labor Day celebration, the Ministry of Health launched the

Healthy Weight Program, which aims to encourage healthy habits in the workplace of public

and private institutions. The ministry has developed a software that provides weight self-

monitoring and recommendations regarding eating habits and physical activity, which will

be available to public and private institutions for free.

To access the technology, companies must join the program by registering. Next,

periodical messages will be sent to the email of every worker with a quick access link to the

software. This link will record their weight and provide an evaluation accompanied by tips

for healthy eating and physical activity.

The general coordinator of Food and Nutrition of the Ministry of Health, Patricia

Jaime, explains the functioning of the program: "The worker will join a computer application

that will help him/her adopt a monthly weighing routine. In this application he/she will

regularly report his/her weight, and will receive an assessment of the weight evolution

during the period of thirty days. Based on the variation, he/she receives feeding guidelines,

physical activity options and healthy ways to control their weight. "

The program aims the adult population in the workplace considering that people

spend many hours per day in these environments. "Data from the last survey from the Risk

Factors Surveillance for Chronic Diseases and Protection Through Telephone Interviews

(Vigitel) show that 15% of the adult population is obese. In addition, in Brazil adults gain on

average one kilo per year without realizing it. The intention of the Healthy Weight is to

prevent this weight gain", says the coordinator.

Work places are seen as strategic for weight gain prevention actions, thus the

implementation of the Combat Plans Against Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases.

Obesity

Obesity is a risk factor for health and is strongly related to high levels of fat and

sugar in the blood, excess cholesterol and cases of pre-diabetes. Obese people are also

more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, especially ischemic, such as heart attack,

stroke, embolism and arteriosclerosis, as well as orthopedic problems, asthma, sleep apnea,

some cancers and psychological disorders.

Over the past five years, the percentage of men with obesity in major Brazilian cities

grew from 11.4%, in 2006, to 14.4%, in 2010. The data is from Vigitel research, which also

showed that 52% of Brazilian men are overweight.

The worrying scenario was also detected by the Consumer Expenditure Survey

(POF) conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE): from 2002 to

2009, the percentage of obese increased from 9% to 12.4%.

Healthy practices

Since pregnancy, good nutrition is essential for the body to function properly. In the

first six months, the baby needs to be fed only with breast milk. Nothing else, not even

water, because milk contains all the necessary nutrients. Breast-feeding exercises the baby’s

face muscles and strengthens the bond between mother and child.

Regular physical activity and a healthy diet, varied and balanced in protein, fiber and

carbohydrates, including as little as possible sweets, soft drinks, fried foods and processed

foods are a great health revenue.

Reference:

“SOFTWARE irá ajudar no controle do peso e na prevenção da obesidade no

ambiente de trabalho”. In: Portal do Brasil. May 02, 2013, our translation. Available at:

<http://www.brasil.gov.br/saude/2013/05/software-pretende-controlar-peso-e-prevenir-

a-obesidade-no-ambiente-de-trabalhoo-aplicativo-e-gratuito-e-pode-ser-acessado-por-

instituicoes-publicas-e-privadas-para-estimularem-habitos-saudaveis-no-ambiente-

corporativo>. Accessed: 8 May 2015.

News# 2 – To the obese . . . the law

English Premier wants to take away social benefits of overweight people. Does it

make sense?

I am sure this trend has a good chance of becoming popular in Brazil. Imagine

yourself, watching interviews and debates among candidates for the Presidency, the Senate

or the House of Representatives, hearing the following genius proposal: a law that prevents

obese from receiving their social benefits if they refuse to participate in reduction weight

programs.

This is exactly what David Cameron, the current UK Prime Minister by the

Conservative Party, would defend and recommend, if reappointed to the next election in

May.

His arguments are crystalline. If an obese person cannot work due to the health

problems caused by their overweight and if that person refuses to participate in dietary

counseling programs and behavior therapy precisely targeted to help him/her lose extra

pounds, it is fair that the civilized society refrain from paying their benefits and aid related to

work abstention and unemployment. This way, the civilized society would save a fortune.

Several billion pounds in benefit cuts.

Very reasonable. Except for one small detail. In an article published in the Lancet

magazine, Dr. Christopher Ochner and scientists from the nutrition department at Columbia

University in New York, discuss the physiological mechanisms inherent in obese individuals

that effectively prevent them from losing weight. It turns out to demonstrate the inefficiency

of behavioral approaches and diets that help obese maintain "normal weight" for long

periods.

Just to begin with, doctors still cannot clearly define, using the body mass index

(BMI), who should be considered skinny, normal, overweight or obese. That is why I have

left "normal weight" in quotes. Going back to Dr. Ochner’s article, he scientifically

demonstrates the presence of multiple mechanisms that the body triggers to prevent weight

loss, doing everything to recover the maximum weight reached. And this trend seems to

remain throughout life. The body creates metabolic changes, exacerbate pleasure systems

precisely to induce the person to eat as much and as caloric foods as he/she can, with the

only goal of returning to put on weight. For Dr. Ochner, the only treatment with chance of

ultimate reversal, so far, is the bariatric surgery.

Well, knowing these disappointing scientific data, would it be fair to propose a law

that restricts social benefits to an obese patient who refuses to submit to dietary and

psychological treatments with little chance of working? Perhaps it would be more coherent

to restrict the benefits from those who refuse to undergo through bariatric surgery. But

again, how to oblige anyone, through law, to submit to such a delicate surgery, which has

some clear risks of serious complications, and even postoperative death, even with a

potential benefit to health? Besides the huge cost of these surgeries suitable for the obese,

would it be ethical in the so-called civilized societies?

I suggest to our Brazilian health authorities, regardless of electioneering appeal and

the outcome of the British vote, to think more before importing coercion ideas to our

patients. Similar suggestion was published by the editors of the same journal alongside

Dr.Ochner article. Before this becomes trendy.

Reference:

YOUNES, R. “Aos obesos... a lei”. In: Carta Capital, April 28, 2015, our translation.

Available at: <http://www.cartacapital.com.br/revista/846/aos-obesos-a-lei-5931.html>.

Accessed: 8 May 2015.

News #3 - Coke helps to combat global obesity

Coke encourages behavior change based on awareness and motivation to help fight

global obesity

The Coca-Cola Company has taken some measures to raise awareness of people

through the global commitment of presenting the calories of its products on their labels.

Coca-Cola also works in partnership with other interested stakeholders on consistent

consumer education programs, which help build awareness about the importance of energy

balance and motivate people to adopt healthy eating habits.

The Coca-Cola Company offers beverage options with or without calories for all

lifestyles and occasions. In this way, it allows people to make choices that meet their

individual needs as cool down, have fun, feed and hydrate. The company helps the

development of viable solutions for the treatment of obesity through partnerships with

governments, universities, health care companies and other responsible members of civil

society. By doing this, it is committed to:

• Use scientific evidence to guide consumer’s choice;

• Invest in innovation of sweeteners, products, packaging, equipment and marketing

to promote a healthy and active life;

• Bring real options for consumers and educate them about the role of their choices

so that they can adopt balanced diets and healthy and active lifestyles;

• Provide transparency to the nutritional content of their products;

• Make a responsible product marketing to inform and educate consumers about

their choices, while respecting the rights of parents and caregivers;

• Be part of the solution for the obesity-related problems faced by society, helping to

promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Reference:

COCA-COLA. “Verdades e Boatos”. In: Official Website of Coca-Cola, 2015, our

translation. Available at: <http://www.cocacolabrasil.com.br/verdades-e-

boatos/interna/coca-cola-ajuda-combate-obesidade-mundial/>. Accessed 8 May 2015.

News # 4 - New study from the WHO shows that overweight and obesity have caused 481,000 cancer cases in 2012

The new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found

that the proportion of cancer cases due to overweight and obesity is greater in women than

in men.

Overweight and obesity accounted for about 481,000 of all new cases of cancer

worldwide in 2012. This revealing data is the focus of the new study by the International

Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Published by the British journal "The Lancet Oncology" on Wednesday (26), the

study reveals that cancer due to overweight and obesity is more common in developed

countries, registering 393,000 new cases compared to 88,000 new cases in less developed

countries. North America is the most affected region with 111,000 cases. In a stark contrast,

Africa has found 7,300 cases.

Furthermore, the study found that the proportion of cases is higher in women than in

men. "For a very common type of cancer in women worldwide, such as breast cancer in

postmenopausal women, the study suggests that 10% of these cases could be prevented if

women had a healthy body weight," said one of the researchers IARC, Melina Arnold.

In general, overweight and obesity are risk factors for cancers of the esophagus,

colon, rectum, kidney, pancreas, gallbladder, breast in postmenopausal ovary and

endometrium, as well as other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

According to the director of IARC, Christopher Wild, the number of cancers linked to

obesity and overweight is increasing globally along with economic development. "This study

highlights the importance of putting into practice effective weight control measures to

contain the high number of cancers associated with excess body weight and to avoid the

problems faced by rich countries," he added.

Reference:

“NOVO estudo da OMS mostra que sobrepeso e obesidade provocaram 481 mil

casos de câncer em 2012”. In: Official Website of Nações Unidas no Brasil. Novermber 11,

2014, our translation. Available at: <http://nacoesunidas.org/novo-estudo-da-oms-mostra-

que-sobrepeso-e-obesidade-provocaram-481-mil-casos-de-cancer-em-

2012/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+ONUBr+%28

ONU+Brasil%29>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

News # 5 - UN gives new global push to eradicate inadequate nutrition

Promoted by FAO and WHO International, Conference on Nutrition strengthens the global

commitment and promotes concrete actions.

It is time to take decisive action to meet the challenge of Zero Hunger and ensure

adequate nutrition for all, affirmed on Friday (21) the Brazilian director-general of the Food

and Agriculture Organization (FAO), José Graziano da Silva, in his closing speech during the

Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2).

The meeting was organized by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Inadequate nutrition is the main cause of diseases in the world," said Graziano da

Silva. "If it were a contagious disease it would be already eradicated", he added.

The Conference brought together representatives from over 170 governments,

including more than 100 ministers and deputy ministers, who reaffirmed their commitment

to establish national policies for the eradication of inadequate nutrition in all its forms and to

transform food systems to allow more nutritious diets to everyone.

The meeting was attended by more than 2,200 participants, including 150

representatives of civil society and nearly a hundred private sector representatives.

Pope Francisco, Queen Letizia of Spain, the first lady of Peru Nadine Heredia, King

Letsie III of Lesotho and Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of the United Arab Emirates

participated in the Conference as special guests.

"We have before us the decade of nutrition," said the Director-General of FAO,

referring to the next Milan Expo 2015 with the theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life".

Graziano da Silva said that food security and nutrition will also be placed high in the

post-2015 development agenda of the United Nations, which will replace the Millennium

Development Goals, which come to an end next year.

“This conference marks the beginning of our renewed efforts towards nutrition," he

added. "It will be remembered for bringing nutrition to the public sphere, making it a public

issue, not private”.

Reference:

“ONU dá novo impulso global para erradicar a nutrição inadequada”. In: Official

Website of Nações Unidas no Brasil. November 112014. Available at:

<http://nacoesunidas.org/onu-da-novo-impulso-global-para-erradicar-a-nutricao-

inadequada/>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

News # 6 - WHO recommends halving sugar consumption

Further studies demonstrate that the reduction to less than 5% - 25 grams or six scoops

daily - provides additional health benefits

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday (04) new

recommendations to reduce sugar consumption so that adults and children can have a

healthier life and prevent diseases.

According to the UN agency, the amount of free sugar - monosaccharide (such as

glucose and fructose) and disaccharide (as sucrose) - should not exceed 10% of daily

energy intake of a person. However, further studies indicated that the reduction to less than

5% - equivalent to six spoons or 25 grams per day - provides even greater benefits for the

health.

"We have strong evidence that reducing the consumption of sugar free to less than

10% of all energy consumed reduces the risk of overweight, obesity and tooth decay," said

the director of the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development of WHO, Francesco

Branca. "Adopting policy changes to support this is the key for countries to meet their

commitments to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. "

The WHO recommendations are based on evidence showing that the amount of

sugar intake is linked to weight gain in adults. Also, they point out that children who

consume more sugary drinks such as soft drinks are more likely to become obese than those

with a low consumption of such beverages. The UN agency points out that much of the

sugar consumed is currently "hidden" in processed foods that are not necessarily very

sweet, like ketchup.

For the WHO, the evidence of the new studies is so clear and strong that it should be

adopted as policy and used as a measure to reduce this consumption. Among the agency's

suggestions are consumer education, the restriction of sales of food and non-alcoholic

beverages containing lots of sugar and fiscal policies directed to these products.

Reference:

“OMS recomenda cortar pela metade consumo de açúcar”. In: Official Website of

Nações Unidas no Brasil. 2015, our translation. Available at:

<http://nacoesunidas.org/com-novas-evidencias-oms-corta-pela-metade-consumo-ideal-

de-

acucar/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+ONUBr+%2

8ONU+Brasil%29>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

News# 7 - The danger of salt: "Most of us do not even know how much sodium we consume'

PAHO / WHO calls for the reduction of salt by the food industry, especially among the

products consumed by children, as well as put an end to child advertising of products with

excess sodium. "The salty taste is an acquired preference," said an expert, recalling the

responsibility of parents and others.

The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO

/ WHO) are calling for the food industry to reduce the salt in their products, especially in

the products consumed by children. In addition, PAHO / WHO also call for an end to the

advertising of products with high amounts of sodium aimed at children.

During the World Week for Sodium Awareness, held between 16 and 22 March,

PAHO / WHO is also urging families to "flee the hidden sodium," choosing homemade

meals with fresh ingredients.

"Most of us do not even know how much sodium we consume because most of it is

hidden in processed foods, ready for consumption. To change this scenario, part of the

solution must come from the food-producing industry, which should reduce sodium in their

products", said Branka Legetic, consultant to the PAHO / WHO Chronic Noncommunicable

Diseases. "On the other hand, people should use less salt in the preparation of their meals,

and ensure that children eat more fresh food prepared at home", he added.

Children are especially vulnerable to the advertising and marketing of food, as they

are developing their eating habits. Eating habits practiced in childhood will have a strong

impact on the pattern of food intake as adults. The high salt intake, even during childhood,

has an effect on blood pressure and can predispose children to diseases such as

hypertension, osteoporosis, asthma and other respiratory diseases, obesity and stomach

cancer.

The fact that children and adolescents are in the development stage is a great

opportunity. "The salty taste is an acquired preference, so it is possible that parents and

caregivers take steps to avoid that children have preferences for excessively salty foods

from an early age," said Legetic. "Another strategy is to involve children and adolescents in

the preparation of meals at home, so they can establish good eating habits for life. "

Salt consumption in the Americas

Adults who daily consume more than 2000 milligrams of sodium - equivalent to 5

grams of salt daily - are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor

for cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. The WHO official guidelines recommend that

these limits be adjusted down when we consider the consumption of children and

adolescents, who generally consume lesser calories than adults on a daily basis.

In the Americas, the average daily intake of salt is greater than 5 grams, ranging

from 8.5 to 9 grams in Canada, Chile and the United States to 11 grams in Brazil and 12

grams in Argentine.

Since 2009, PAHO / WHO have been leading regional efforts through joint action

between governments, health experts, industry representatives and non-governmental

organizations to reduce salt intake in the Americas.

In 2013, PAHO / WHO, within the consortium to reduce salt intake (Salt Smart

Consortium), developed a plan of action that calls the processed food industry to voluntarily

reduce salt levels in their products, and proposed specific goals to salt reduction groups in

some food (bread, biscuits and cakes, processed meat, mayonnaise and soup).

The plan also calls for awareness campaigns to help consumers understand the

information presented in food labels, and why it is important to consume less sodium.

Reference:

“O PERIGO do sal: a ‘A maioria de nós nem sequer sabe o quanto de sódio

consome”. March 18, 2015, our translation In: Official Website of Nações Unidas no Brasil.

2015. Available at: <http://nacoesunidas.org/o-perigo-do-sal-a-maioria-de-nos-nem-

sequer-sabe-o-quanto-de-sodio-

consome/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+ONUBr+

%28ONU+Brasil%29>. Accessed: 14 July 2015.

Documents

Study Guide B - FAMUN...develop discussions of the matter in the country, as well as higher access to medicine, such as retrovirals, for those who carry the virus. In 2012, there were