Release No. FNS OPED 0001

Contact: Jean Daniel (703) 305-2281

Combating Obesity

Friday, May 30, 2008

The May 19 front-page (Washington Post) story "Inertia at the Top," by Susan Levine and Lori Aratani, did not accurately reflect significant federal investments to combat obesity.

Ensuring the health and well-being of Americans is a top priority for President Bush. The HealthierUS initiative, launched in 2002 by the president, called upon all Americans to work together to increase physical activity and improve nutrition for a healthier lifestyle. Government has an important leadership role to play, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

Since 2001, investment in nutrition assistance has increased by an unprecedented 76 percent, to $60 billion. During that time, the Agriculture Department developed evidence-based nutrition guidance as part of the Dietary Guidelines and launched MyPyramid.gov -- the first federal symbol to prominently depict the balance between nutrition and daily physical activity. The department introduced a public awareness campaign on nutrition; improved the foods offered through its programs; supported nutrition education for children and food stamp recipients; and recognized more than 200 HealthierUS Schools that model nutritional excellence. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services has spent approximately $4.5 billion on obesity prevention, treatment and research since 2003.

The federal government alone cannot mitigate the prevalence of obesity or its effect on the health of our country. To solve this critical health issue, governments at all levels, the private sector, communities, families and individuals must work together. Sixty-six percent of all adults in America are either overweight or obese. As responsible adults, we must set the example of healthier lifestyles for our children.

NANCY MONTANEZ JOHNER
Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition
and Consumer Services
Department of Agriculture
Washington

Last modified: 12/05/2008