” “"Because of the rise in obesity, the Europeans’ diets and physical activity have become two priorities for the EU": The EU commissioner for health and consumer protection, Markos Kyprianou, presents the White Paper adopted by the Executive after over one year’s discussions, "containing several proposals to face the health problems related to diet, overweight and obesity". The document, which will lay the foundation for a continent-wide debate, states that "in most member states over one half of the adult population are overweight or obese" and, according to the World Health Organisation, "since the Eighties obesity has more than tripled in many European countries". In addition, there is growing concern for the high number of obese children. "What consumers eat is their own business, but they must be enabled to make informed choices and have a range of healthy options available". The areas in which the EU Commission proposes new measures include: food labelling, food advertisements, "schemes to boost the consumption of fruits and vegetables", a White Paper on sports, research work and awareness-raising campaigns.” “
