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
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