Global health and obesity; economic change and its impact on mortality - 4 February 2009

Global health and obesity; economic change and its impact on mortality; the interaction between free trade and health; the age of Obama and its likely impact on global health; and how good national health can boost the economy.

Peter Goodwin and Sarah Maxwell take part in the discussions held in London on the controversial role of the corporate sector in tackling the looming threat to global health of obesity around the world. They also hear how drastic economic changes in the former Soviet Union have caused an increase in mortality—largely driven by alcohol; about the unexpected down-side free trade can have in worsening health—rather than improving it—in some situations; about the health benefits to the world of the new American president, and how good national health can boost the economy just as the other way around.

Controversies in Global Health—What role should the corporate sector play in tackling the global obesity pandemic? Philip James, Director, International Obesity Task Force Derek Yach, Director, Pepsico Global Health Policy Andy Haines, Director, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Patti Rundall, Policy Director, Baby Milk Action, Cambridge

Drastic Economic Changes Increase Mortality Martin McKee, Director, European Centre for Health Of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Free Trade Brings Health Benefits? — Think Again! Richard Smith, Professor of Health System Economics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Kelley Lee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Obama And Global Health? National Health and Wealth—Reciprocal Relationship Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine