WHO adopts diet and physical activity strategy for NCDs: May 28.

A strategy that emphasizes increasing physical activity in the management of noncommunicable diseases recently was endorsed by the World Health Organization's (WHO) member states.

WHO's Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health addresses risk factors responsible for the increase of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, and obesity-related conditions, which account for about 60% of global deaths and almost half (47%) of global disease. The strategy emphasizes the need to limit the consumption of saturated fats and trans fatty acids, salt, mad sugars and to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables and levels of physical activity. It also addresses the role of prevention in health services; food and agriculture policies; fiscal policies; surveillance systems; regulatory policies; consumer education and communication including marketing, health claims, and nutrition labeling; and school policies as they affect food and physical activity choices. The strategy, was developed over the past 2 years through a wide-ranging series of consultations with concerned stakeholders, including WHO member states, other UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector.

Follow this link to read the strategy's goals and guiding principles.