UEFA unveil anti-obesity film

UEFA and the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, have together unveiled a new 30-second film that encourages people of all ages to play more sport. The clip will appear on television screens during the half-time interval throughout the new UEFA Champions League season.

Sedentary problem
An increasingly sedentary lifestyle is one of the most serious challenges facing Europe's health, and is an important factor in the rising levels of obesity. According to a recent Eurobarometer poll on health and food, almost six out of ten EU citizens said they had done little or no physical activity for recreation, sport and leisure purposes.

Excellent initiative
UEFA President Michel Platini launched the film with Markos Kyprianou, European Commissioner responsible for health. "This is an excellent initiative, and another example of our close cooperation with the European Commission," said Jonathan Hill, head of UEFA's Brussels office. "As a governing body, UEFA has a responsibility to address these sorts of issues, particularly when sport can provide some of the answers."

Importance of exercise
Mr Kyprianou commented: "Europeans are eating too much and exercising too little, which explains why more than half of European adults are overweight or obese. Through this TV advertising campaign we aim to help viewers better understand the importance of physical exercise in living healthier lives, and encourage them to introduce physical activity into their daily routines."

Children overweight
According to European Commission figures, more than half the adult population is overweight or obese in most EU Member States. It is also estimated that almost 22 million children are overweight in the EU, and each year this figure is growing by 400,000.

UEFA health contribution
This new initiative is one part of UEFA's contribution to the debate on public health. Other elements of the strategy include the following activities:
* since 2004, UEFA has helped fund thousands of new mini-pitches across Europe as part of the HatTrick programme, which enable young people to play sport in urban areas;
* UEFA continues to support the World Heart Federation, to promote healthy lifestyles and in particular to encourage physical activity among young people;
* UEFA will soon publish a book of healthy recipes, to which some of Europe's top football clubs and players have contributed.

You can watch the new film here