Berlin - The German cabinet initiated a plan of action Wednesday to combat mounting obesity in the general population, putting forward a series of voluntary measures for states, local authorities and business to consider. The concept programme, prepared by Health Minister Ulla Schmidt in cooperation with Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Minister Horst Seehofer, aims to cut disease related to overweight noticeably by 2020.
According to government statistics, some two thirds of all German men between the ages of 18 and 80 are overweight and around half of all women.
A fifth of all young people are estimated to suffer from some form of eating disorder.
Among the measures proposed are courses at schools, which fall under the state governments, and awareness programmes, although there are no plans for compulsory school courses on nutrition.
The government is aiming at agreeing a voluntary code with business to avoid targeting children under 12 years in advertising.
Among other measures proposed are better labelling of foods and motivating people to take more exercise.
