Wednesday 13 February 2013
Democrats back stance on diabetes and obesity
While the Democrats for Social Credit Party applauds NZ First’s Barbara Stewart for her recent call for more government
action on obesity and its associated Type 2 diabetes, the lack of political initiative over this issue necessitates more
public involvement to force government into taking decisive measures, according to Democrats for Social Credit health
spokesman David Tranter.
“Mrs. Stewart correctly highlights the disastrous effects of the huge quantities of sugar contained in many foods but
until an effective sugar education campaign is established intermittent calls for action, however well-intentioned, are
not going to seriously curtail the widespread sugar addiction which is hugely damaging people’s health in affluent
countries” Mr. Tranter said.
“If the public were better informed about the devastating effects of high sugar consumption - and the number of foods
which contain often surprising quantities of it - they would surely take more interest than they are presently doing.
Just as with subjects like fluoridation which have required widespread action on the part of well-informed campaigners
to publicise the downsides of that ill-advised agenda, those who are aware of the dangers of sugar need to spread the
word.
“There could be no better starting point than urging people to read the book “Sweet Poison” by David Gillespie” Mr.
Tranter said.
“If the various expensive - and largely ineffectual - slimming diets on the market were replaced by simply reducing
sugar intake the present obesity epidemic in New Zealand could be substantially halted.”
ENDS