The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) said it will start meeting fast food restaurants this week to urge them to promote healthy eating among children by offering more healthy options.

The drive is part of a worldwide effort by non-profit group Consumers International, which includes consumer groups in more than 115 countries and has representatives in the United Nations and World Health Organisation.

The group wants a ban on the use of cartoon characters, celebrity tie-ins and free gifts aimed at luring children to eat junk food.

'The first will be McDonald's restaurants,' said Mr Seah Seng Choon, executive director of Case. 'We will be meeting its representatives this week.'

The nudge from Case comes as Singaporean waistlines bulge: 6.9 per cent of adults were obese in 2004, up from 5.1 per cent in 1992. Similarly, 3.6 per cent of children were found to be obese last year, up from 2.8 per cent in 1994, according to Health Promotion Board statistics.

Obesity could become an epidemic, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan told reporters yesterday.

The problem here is not as serious as in the United States and Europe, but he added: 'In 10 to 15 years, it can become a big problem very fast so we have to watch out.'

He was at Walk with Case, a World Consumer Rights Day event that attracted more than 5,000 people.

Health officials here are planning campaigns to raise awareness about obesity, its side effects, and healthy food choices.

Topping the list of unhealthy fare are high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar items such as french fries, deep-fried foods, soft drinks and candy bars.

Over-indulging can lead to obesity, a major cause of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Worldwide, about 22 million children under the age of five are estimated to be obese or overweight.

McDonald's told The Straits Times that aside from its hamburgers and french fries, it already offers customers veggies and low-fat foods.

Ms Linda Ming, its senior communications manager, said its Happy Meal choices include options like apple and corn and aside from fizzy drinks, it also sells apple juice with no sugar added, low-fat yoghurt, and low-fat, high-calcium milk.

In all efforts to beat obesity, a constant message is: Moderation is key.

Mr Khaw shared how he practises restraint with that lard-laden Singapore favourite, char kway teow.

'I eat char kway teow too - at most three to four times a year,' he said. 'But if you eat it five to 10 times a month, then I think there would be trouble.'

He also said healthy eating must start with education, especially at home.

'If the parents love to eat junk food, then the children will follow suit. Awareness must begin at home,' he said.

juditht@sph.com.sg