A Human Rights Approach to Childhood Obesity Prevention

Three sets of human rights are relevant to childhood obesity: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ( UNCROC ), the right to adequate food, and the right to health. Within UNCROC, the " developmental rights " (right to develop to the fullest and the right to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation) are to protect children from circumstances injurious to their well - being. The marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is an example of commercial exploitation of children. The right to adequate food was originally aimed at preventing undernutrition and food insecurity, but has now been broadened to include overnutrition in vulnerable populations. It is the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, and for children this may include freedom from obesity. The use of a human rights approach to preventing childhood obesity helps to ensure that the debates and actions centre on what is best for children and the Sydney Principles to guide substantial reductions in food marketing of unhealthy foods that targets children is one example of such an application.