propose to declare obesity as a public health problem in Colombia
Bogotá, Apr 25 (EFE) .- A bill that studies from today a commission of the Senate of Colombia seeks to declare obesity as a public health problem, given the figures that show that almost half of Colombians suffer from overweight.
The initiative, which has already fulfilled the cycle of debates in the House of Representatives, now seeks the approval of the Senate to become law.
According to project arguments, it is "a public health problem, because it is a direct cause of heart, circulatory and colon problems, high cholesterol, stress, depression, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, among others. "
49 percent of women between the ages of 14 and 64 and 39 percent of men in this same age range suffer from obesity, according to the initiative.
The project arguments warn that "children are also being visibly affected by these problems" and specify that "about 15 percent of children under 14 suffers overweight" in the country.
In the initiative, the State is expected to provide the total coverage of health services for the problems associated with overweight.
This coverage includes attention, medications, nutrition programs, education, healthy food and good eating habits, physical activity and surgeries in necessary cases.
Likewise, the State would promote a "food and nutritional security policy", with educational, cultural, artistic, sports and nutritional campaigns for the prevention of obesity.
It should also encourage the consumption of fruits, vegetables, vegetables, cereals and dairy to achieve a balanced and healthy diet in the Colombian population, according to the speakers of the project.