The U.N. could be influenced by special interest groups who have a financial stake in keeping the population ill.

“There are clear conflicts for the corporations that contribute to and profit from the sales of alcoholic beverages, foods with high fat, salt, and sugar contents, and tobacco products — all of which are important causes of NCDs,” they wrote.

“Failure to address these concerns will undermine the development of competent policy … and the confidence the global community and the public at large have in the UN’s and WHO’s ability to govern and advance public health.”