Nutrition, health and fitness leader Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, today endorsed Congresswoman Kay Granger's (TX-12) IMPACT Act. The Duchess was in Washington to speak with a number of congressional leaders about the importance of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. After the meeting, the two agreed to work together on public and private efforts to fight obesity.

"The Duchess and I are really looking forward to working together and building a coalition that encourages people to get moving and eat healthy," stated Congresswoman Granger. "Once our plan is finalized, we will invite other celebrities to jump on this exciting nutrition bandwagon. We will be working with fitness guru Dr. Larry North and other celebrities. Together we can really make a difference on this issue."

On Thursday, September 19, Congresswoman Granger, joined by a bipartisan coalition of members of the House of Representatives, introduced the "Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity (IMPACT)" Act. This bill recognizes the serious health issues that arise from obesity. It also attempts to reduce those problems by encouraging improved nutrition and more physical activity.

"More than 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese," stated Congresswoman Granger. "These Americans face much greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Sarah Ferguson has worked hard on this issue, and I am glad to have her support for this important legislation."

The IMPACT Act was introduced in the House by Kay Granger (R, TX-12), Mary Bono (R, CA-44) and Nita Lowey (D, NY- 18) on Thursday, September 19, 2002. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Bill Frist (R,TN) and Jeff Bingaman (D, NM) on July 30, 2002. The Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity (IMPACT) Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to improve America's health.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is an inspirational figure to thousands who want to improve their health and better their life. She overcame many personal trials, under a harsh media spotlight, and now tours the country as a spokesperson for Weight Watchers International.

Ferguson's credentials include substituting for Larry King on CNN’s Larry King Live, hosting the BBC documentary In Search of the Spirit, and hosting her own ten-week roundtable discussion series, Sarah, Surviving Life. She is the author of four books on health including: Win the Weight Game and Dieting with the Duchess.