Obesity Fight Needs Focus on Solutions

December 10, 1999

The Grocery Manufacturers of America says a proposed national summit on nutrition should have a "narrow, specific and precise" focus on science-based solutions to combat obesity in the United States. The summit has been scheduled tentatively for May 30-31.

It will be sponsored by USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services. The summit is designed to review past accomplishments and present challenges in the food and nutrition policy areas. It comes more than 30 years after the 1969 White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health.

Speaking before a USDA planning session for the summit, Lisa Katic, GMA director of scientific and nutrition policy, said that food and beverage companies want to continue to be part of the solution to improve nutritional habits.

"It is apparent that the American public understands basic concepts of nutrition and that current labeling and educational materials, including industry-supported and industry-funded materials, provide sufficient information about the nutrient composition of marketed foods," said Katic,

"Yet, despite all of this available information, we have seen new studies indicating rising rates of obesity among the American people, young and old alike. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by genetics, behavioral and lifestyle factors, excess calories and lack of physical activity."

The real challenge, she said is changing behavior. "We must focus on understanding the science-based factors that motivate individuals to follow a healthy diet if progress is to be made in the areas of nutrition and lifestyle."