Don’t chew the fat on junk food - The war on poor diet

WHEN someone who knows what they are talking about gives you stern, challenging advice, you’d be a fool to ignore them — or at the very least unwise and reckless.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s (RCPI) policy group on obesity has supported a campaign to create “no fry zones” around schools to keep fast food outlets away from children. This is a rational response to a growing epidemic challenging the wellbeing and prospects of hundreds of thousands of overweight children.

This epidemic, a consequence of poor food and lifestyle choices — and in some instances an unfortunate genetic disposition — must be confronted by forceful means, even if that means strengthening legislation. The RCPI argues that planning laws could be a powerful tool in this campaign, and suggests fast food outlets should not be opened less than 400m from schools, parks or playgrounds.