The World Health Organization has proposed that nations consider taxing junk foods to encourage people to make healthier food choices, but some groups say that a "Twinkie tax" will be hard to swallow.

The WHO this week outlined a strategy to tackle the growing problem of diseases exacerbated by poor diet and lack of exercise.

Heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other noncommunicable diseases are a growing concern, not just in affluent countries such as the United States, but throughout the developing world. The WHO staff members have spent the past year talking about the problem with member states, consumer groups and with the food industry to produce this week's report.

One of the suggestions is taxation of low-nutrition foods.

Bruce Silverglade, director of legal affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said his nonprofit nutrition advocacy organization welcomed the recommendations. The center has argued for measures like a Twinkie tax for several years.

The report is "a blueprint for the U.S. government and we hope the Bush administration will put some real support behind this," Silverglade said. So far, "no one in the administration is really committing to specific programs that would address this problem."

The Grocery Manufacturers of America, the world's largest trade group of food, beverage and consumer product companies, said it shared the WHO's concerns and commitment to health improvement.

"We will continue to conduct research and share results with interested bodies as appropriate," the group said. This summer, its staff took part in one of the formal consultations held by the WHO as it prepared the document.

Member states had asked for a closer look at noncommunicable disease deaths from heart disease, diabetes and cancer, also known as "rich nation" diseases. Eighty percent of deaths from those diseases occur in the developing world, which is where most people live, a WHO official said.

Globally in 2001, 33 million out of 56.5 million premature deaths were attributable to noncommunicable diseases.

"The most important risks included high blood pressure, high concentrations of cholesterol in the blood, low intake of fruits and vegetables, being overweight, physical inactivity and tobacco use," the document said.

Consumption of nutrition-poor, calorie-dense junk food contributes to obesity and a greater risk for deadly diseases. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated two-thirds of Americans 20 years or older are overweight or obese.

"Several countries use fiscal measures to promote availability of and access to certain foods; others use taxes to increase or decrease consumption of food; and some use public funds and subsidies to promote access among poor communities to recreational and sporting facilities," noted the WHO report, which encourages other nations to take similar measures to promote health.

The document will be discussed by the WHO executive board next month, which will consider placing it on the agenda for adoption by the WHO health assembly, which meets in March. The international agency has no prescriptive power, but can only suggest strategies that the member states might choose to implement.

Silverglade pointed out that the WHO is not just talking about taxing unhealthy foods, but reducing the costs of the healthy ones by not taxing them or by subsidizing them.

"It's a two-way street there and consumers would be the beneficiaries," he said. He added that some American states already tax soft drinks but with the purpose of generating revenue, not improving eating habits.

But GMA spokesman Mike Diegel contended that experience shows fat taxes don't work as intended.

"They don't impact demand," he said. "The only thing we know for sure is that it raises the price of food for everyone."

The Washington, D.C.-based Center for Consumer Freedom is critical of the Center for Science in the Public Interest's stance on taxing food.

"You're going down a pretty dangerous path on a number of fronts," said spokesman Mike Burita. For example, "who is going to be the food czar who decides what gets taxed?"

He added that most people believe that obesity is a matter of personal responsibility and that taxation would be unfair, "especially to the people who do enjoy those foods in moderation and practice a healthy lifestyle."

The fiscal measures were one of several suggestions to WHO member states. Others included the establishment of national dietary and physical activity guidelines, health education of the public, and accurate, easy-to-follow food labeling.

Noting that some manufacturers have already developed healthier processed foods, the WHO document added that governments could consider offering incentives to further lower salt and sugar levels, limit the use of hydrogenated oils and reduce portion sizes.

In addition, governments should work with consumer groups and industry so that food is marketed appropriately to children. According to the report, "Food and beverage advertisements should not exploit children's inexperience or credulity."

Silverglade considered this point a highlight of the report.

"Food marketing plays a definite role in increasing obesity and diet-related diseases," he said. "That's an important conclusion from an international health agency that many U.S. marketers still dispute."

Last month, the Grocery Manufacturers of America said the Center for Science in the Public Interest was missing the point by "narrowly focusing" on marketing and advertising.

"We are doing our part by introducing a growing number of nutritious foods, reducing portion sizes and supporting enhanced nutrition labeling," the association said. "Effective solutions [for obesity] must incorporate sound nutrition, increased physical activity, consumer and parent education and community support."