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Draft global strategy on diet, physical activity and health


World Health Organization, Executive Board EB113/44

113th Session 27 November 2003

Integrated Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases



Available online at:
http://www.who.int/gb/EB_WHA/PDF/EB113/eeb11344a1.pdf
<http://www.who.int/gb/EB_WHA/PDF/EB113/eeb11344a1.pdf>



A profound shift in the balance of the major causes of death and
disease is
under way in most countries. Globally, the burden of noncommunicable
diseases has rapidly increased. In 2001, noncommunicable diseases
accounted
for almost 60% of the 56.5 million deaths annually and 47% of the
global
burden of disease. In view of these figures and the predicted future
growth
in this disease burden, the prevention of noncommunicable diseases
presents
a major global public health challenge.



Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are thus the leading causes of
the
major noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type
2
diabetes and certain types of cancer, and contribute substantially to
the
global burden of disease, death and disability. Other diseases related
to
diet and physical inactivity, such as dental caries and osteoporosis,
are
widespread causes of morbidity.



A unique opportunity exists to formulate and implement an effective
strategy
for substantially reducing deaths and disease worldwide by improving
diet
and promoting physical activity. Evidence for the links between these
health
behaviours and later disease and ill-health is strong. There are
effective
interventions to enable people to live longer and healthier lives,
reduce
inequalities, and enhance development. By mobilizing the full potential
of
global players, this vision could become a reality for all populations
in
all countries of the world....."