TRIMMING THE FAT

The Washington Times
By Dr. Susan Finn
October 22, 2003

Your article "Food fight," highlighting trial lawyers' efforts to sue food producers over Americans' expanding waistlines, regrettably ignores how this public health issue actually will be solved: by empowering consumers with sufficient nutrition information and encouraging increased physical activity.

Although obesity is a serious health threat to millions of Americans, lawsuits and finger pointing are not realistic solutions. If you are obese, you don't need a lawyer; you need to see your doctor, a nutritionist and a physical trainer. Playing the courtroom blame game won't make anyone thinner or healthier.

As a mother and past president of the American Dietetic Association, I'm pleased to see food producers doing their part to help consumers make wiser choices about nutrition. Surveys and interviews consistently demonstrate that people recognize they ultimately are responsible for maintaining a healthy weight; they just want some help and guidance.

Nutrition is only half of the healthy-lifestyle equation, however. Declining physical activity is the other factor contributing to the obesity problem. When you consider that only one state - Illinois - requires daily physical education classes for kindergarten through 12th grade and that technological improvements have created an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, it's no wonder our nation's weight problem is getting worse.

To that end, the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition is working hard on behalf of food and beverage producers to promote comprehensive, lasting policies and programs that will improve nutrition education and physical activity in our communities, workplaces, schools and homes.

It's unfortunate and disappointing that your story left readers with the impression that lawsuits should even be considered as a means to address this problem. The fact is that frivolous lawsuits and finger pointing aren't going to eliminate obesity. We can beat this serious health threat with education, motivation, support - and an honest look in the mirror at the person most responsible for our individual health and weight.

SUSAN FINN

Chairman,
American Council for Fitness and Nutrition
Washington D.C.