LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – REVERSING THE OBESITY TREND

Burlington Free Press
By Dr. Susan Finn
March 7, 2004

In the hotly debated topic of obesity in America, there has been an unfortunate tendency to point fingers rather than seek comprehensive, collaborative solutions. Across America, good intentions have become the rationale for extreme and shortsighted actions, which is why the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition supports local initiatives like Gov. Jim Douglas' initiative 'Fit and Healthy Kids," which addresses both sides of the obesity equation nutrition education and physical fitness.

Quick fixes, such as removing soft drinks from schools, are not sustainable solutions. Reversing the obesity trend in this country demands that we dig deep to strengthen fundamentals in our communities, schools and families fundamentals such as nutrition education and physical activity. Teaching children the importance of a balanced diet can have positive, life-long effects. And providing children with the means and opportunity for daily physical activity not only builds the foundation for a healthy lifestyle in the future, but also helps curb obesity today. In addition, the research has shown, regular physical activity has a positive impact on academic performance.

As a mother, a registered dietitian and a past president of The American Dietetic Association, the world's largest organization of nutritionists, I believe that instituting policies designed to blacklist certain foods will not solve this country's obesity problem. Reversing the trend toward obesity requires a far more reasoned, balanced and comprehensive strategy a strategy in which our schools can play a vital role.

Susan Finn, Ph.D., R.D., is chairwoman of the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition.