Developing nations group opposes Who anti-obesity plan, backs U.S.

ROME -- World Health Organization proposals that governments take measures to reduce their citizens' intake of sugar and fat met with opposition from a group of developing countries. The group backs "the United States which criticized the WHO strategy a month earlier. The Group of 77 and China told the Food and Agriculture Organization, which is working with who on the anti-obesity initiative, that the report was not based on sound science and that its conclusions were "prejudicial."

The group objects to what it called the "arbitrary" conclusion that bad food is the main cause of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. They argue that governments should promote better nutrition education rather than focusing on pushing manufacturers to cut fat, sugar and salt content and to change advertising and tax policy to promote healthier eating.

According to the G77, "the report fails the test of scientific rigor, objectivity and fairness. Any uniform or 'one size fits all' diet is an illusory concept.