PETA SENDS TASMANIA’S FATTEST TOWN EMERGENCY VEGAN KIT TO TACKLE OBESITY EPIDEMIC

Think About the Kids: Switching to a Healthy and Humane Plant-Based Diet Can Reverse Dorset’s Obesity Woes, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
10 October 2013

Hobart – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia has sent a letter to the mayor of Dorset – the state’s fattest region – suggesting that he recommend a plant-based diet as an emergency measure to tackle the community’s obesity problems. According to a recent study, Dorset is one of the nation’s most obese areas. The group’s vegetarian/vegan starter kit accompanied the letter with tips to make the transition. PETA’s point? That a meat- and dairy-based diet increases the risk of developing a host of life-threatening ailments, including obesity.

“Urgent and immediate action needs to be taken”, says PETA Director of Campaigns Jason Baker. “Going vegan would mean that the people living in the region would lead healthier, happier lives and also save the lives of a huge number of animals every year. No one enjoys being fat, and going vegan would help residents get a handle on their weight problem in the most delicious way imaginable. It’s time to show leadership and get our kids off their saturated animal fat addiction.”

PETA’s vegetarian/vegan starter kit – which can be ordered for free at PETA.org.au – includes easy-to-follow recipes, tips for making the transition and information about meat’s devastating effects on animals and the environment. In addition to facing the social challenges caused by childhood obesity – which can lead to lifelong psychological trauma – overweight teens who are fed a diet of burgers, chicken nuggets and other foods that are laden with saturated fat and cholesterol have their health put at risk. According to the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children and adults who go vegan reduce their risk of cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and obesity.

PETA’s letter is available upon request.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.au.

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