Most Norwegians live within easy walking or driving distance of fantastic scenery whether it be coastline or mountainside. It s perhaps not unusual then that according to Statistics Norway quite a large percentage of the Norwegian population of all ages goes hunting, fishing, skiing, sbowboarding, biking, running or hiking either regularly or at least once a year.
I was surprised then to read today that the Government is so afraid of the increase in obesity in Norwegian children that it wants to ban the advertising of sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, crisps, ready meals such as pizzas and even drinking yoghurts (too much sugar). The ban would predominantly focus on advertising slots during children's TV programmes, but since the Government defines a child now as anyone under 18, it really means TV advertising would be banned completely.
For one, it is rare to see an obese Noregian child, and for another would a ban really change people's eating habits? I suppose if you don't know about Coca Cola, you may not go and buy it in a shop. Maybe some parents succumb to the pester power of their children when they go shopping, I don't know. But somehow I doubt that a ban on advertising would immediately lead to those who are overweight shedding the kilos!
The sweets and crisps are still going to be on sale - uness of course the Government is thinking of putting all unhealthy foods into a 'Crap food Shop' specially set up and probably located next door to the 'Wine Monopoly Store' (the only place where Norwegians can buy wine, spirits and strong beers and cider - remember Norwegians have a love/hate relationship with alcohol!).
The next step would be to ban children from buying these terrible addictive products so you would have to show ID to proove you were over 18 before you could go in to the store. Imagine it, an 18 year old being arrested and fined for supplying a minor with a bar of chocolate or a packet of crisps!
Ah well, it will probably never happen, mainly because such a law would discriminate against so many Norwegian products and Norwegian businesses, oh and probably a few EU laws as well!
A blog about daily life in Bergen, Norway. We moved here in 2010 due to work commitments (my husband's). Now having survived the first winter I feel able to write about the place without too much negativity! it is amazing how a lack of light, freezing temperatures and general horrid weather drain creativity!! I've learnt Norwegian, and work part time - so this really is living in Bergen!
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