Session 5
Wednesday, 30 September 2020 | 16:30-18:00 | Room 1
Unhealthy lifestyles, often driven by the consumption of ultra-processed food and alcohol, fuel the growing burden of chronic digestive diseases. This session will discuss the impact of alcohol and unhealthy foods on (digestive) health with a focus on the commercial determinants of health. You will hear about the synergies that exist between risk factors such as alcohol, sugar, and obesity and the development of liver disease, as well as the existing links between unhealthy food and cancer.
To explore the influence marketing has on unhealthy eating habits, the discussion will also provide a critical perspective on consumer behaviour in the context of marketing practices. With the aim of making a case for the availability and affordability of healthy food, industry’s efforts on that matter will also be showcased. Policy-wise, the discussion will focus on good practice examples of public health interventions which have enabled positive systemic change.