Fighting Back Against Bad Food Policies in South-East Asia

In South-East Asia, governments have been slow to put into action policies that could help people eat healthier. This is mostly because big food companies push back and because different groups don't work well together. To tackle this problem, a study was done. Researchers talked to people from India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. They also looked at lots of different studies. They found out that there are six main arguments used to stop these healthy eating policies from being put into action. First, some people say the policies aren't made in the right way. Second, they twist the facts or make up new ones. Third, they say these policies will hurt people's health and make things unfair. Fourth, they worry about the economy. Fifth, they say the policies don't follow trade rules or national laws. And sixth, they say these policies take away people's freedom to choose what to eat. To fight back against these arguments, the researchers suggest four main strategies. First, make a plan to talk back to these arguments. Second, make rules to stop big food companies from influencing health policies. Third, make sure different groups can work together to promote health. And fourth, do more research, talk to more people, and teach others about what affects our health. But making these strategies work will take a lot of effort. Many different groups in South-East Asia and other places will need to work together.