International expert identifies Chile as an example country in policies against obesity

"I came to Chile to have more knowledge of how to implement food policies for better food environments," said Professor Boyd Swinburn at the FAO Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The researcher, who also is Co-Chair of World Obesity's Policy & Prevention section and Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on Obesity, said “actions to combat obesity should be rethought and focused on the will to change; there are already enough studies and documents that propose solution."

Among the determinants of malnutrition, the academic explained are "the worldwide influence of industry, political inertia and the lack of a public demand for change" that have prevented significant progress.

Global syndemic

Swinburn with the Lancet group created the term "Global Syndemic ", whose meaning is related to a synergy of epidemics that coexist, interact with each other and share common causes. 

"Obesity, malnutrition and climate change are directly linked. There are three problems resulting from current unhealthy and minimally regulated food systems," he said.

Political will

Regarding political will, the New Zealander highlighted the work of the Parliamentary Front against Hunger in Chile, chaired by Senator Guido Girardi. 

"Actions such as those being undertaken in Chile are required also in other countries. The labeling law is a work of courage and persistence for a more fair and sustainable food system," he added.

Climate change and malnutrition

According to the expert, climate change is a third pandemic that "is causing food to be less healthy. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is significantly reducing nutrient levels."

The conclusions of the Report of the Lancet Commission on Obesity, warn that climate change will increase food insecurity due to extreme weather events, droughts and changes in agriculture.

The document also indicates that the variation in the state of the climate system will affect the prices of basic foods, which would imply, if specific policies were not implemented, an increase in the consumption of processed products.