Canadian children are less healthy and more obese than ever before, largely because of an unhealthy diet loaded with trans fats.

Canada’s rate of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 25 years to 26 per cent, one of the highest rates in the developed world.

So it is good news that Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty says that if re-elected he will ban trans fats from all food in Ontario schools.

Trans fats turn oils into semi-solids and are used to extend the shelf life of many foods, particularly baked and fried goods. However, they also raise the levels of bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, increasing the rate of heart disease.

But why should the movement to ban trans fats in schools stop at Ontario schoolchildren? Across the country, fat children turn into fat adults, increasing their risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

If the federal government followed the recommendation issued last year by its own task force into this issue, which was comprised of scientific experts, industry representatives and health advocates, it would severely restrict the level of trans fats in all foods. The same call was made by an all-party House of Commons health committee this March and was also urged by the Toronto Board of Health.

Reducing trans fats in foods would cut Canadians’ risk of heart disease by 5 per cent, a significant health saving. Health Minister Tony Clement has been vowed for more than a year to study the issue.

But the studies are in and it is time for action. There is no healthy reason not to act now.

Source: The Star