the limits of Nutri-score in the face of obesity

Published on 05/03/2023 17:08

Video length: 2 min.

FRANCE 3

Article written by

M.-P. Samitier, L. Adjaoud, A. Fuzellier, L. Pekez, V. Poulain –

France 3

France Televisions

Nearly one in two French people is overweight. Prevention remains the best treatment but it is not easy to find your way around when shopping in supermarkets. The Nutri-score sometimes sows confusion.

Obesity is a growing epidemic, especially among 18-24 year olds. In question, food. Are consumers sufficiently vigilant? “I still look a little at Nutri-score and calories”, admits a man. The Nutri-score was invented by France to identify foods that are too fatty, too sweet or too salty. But would there be limits? According to its inventor, some labels are confusing by using similar color codes.

France has 17% obese

There is also a link between obesity and poverty. “The risk of obesity is much greater in disadvantaged populations simply because foods of good nutritional quality are often more expensive than fatty, sweet and salty products which are unfortunately more accessible”, explains Professor Serge Hercberg, nutritionist. Today, France has 17% obese.