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ACFN Chair Addresses Girl Scout Research Institute
Posted January 27, 2006

This week, Susan Finn, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., F.A.D.A., chair of ACFN, addressed a Girl Scout Research Institute panel discussion on Capitol Hill to talk about its recently released research study, The New Normal? What Girls Say About Healthy Living. Dr. Finn was one of only two experts asked to speak on the panel and provide her expertise in the findings of the Girls Scout Research Institute study.

Finn pointed to similarities between the Girls Scout Research Institute findings and the information ACFN gathered in its TRIUMPH (Trends, Resources and Inspiration for Understanding and Maintaining Physical Health) series of events held in seven cities across the country in 2005, including the importance of community action and cultural relevance.

“The report released by the Girl Scout Research Institute is a valuable document in our work in fighting obesity in America,” said Dr. Finn. “The Girl Scouts of the USA is a leader in promoting health and wellness among a key group – the girls and young women of America. By listening and responding to the diverse voices of today’s girls, we are making a significant grassroots investment in the health and strength of tomorrow’s families and communities.”

Finn also noted ACFN’s work with the American Dietetic Association Foundation to focus on populations that data suggests are most at-risk of obesity. “Government research and findings from the Girls Scouts study clearly show that African-American and Hispanic children are at a particularly high risk for obesity. Among girls and young women, approximately 40% of non-Hispanic and African-Americans and 37% of Mexican Americans are at risk of overweight or are overweight – compared to only 27% of white girls and young women. In addition, the national survey (NHANES 1999-2002) tracked rates of overweight and obesity, which shows that a larger increase in the number of children who become overweight and obese occurs between the ages of 6-11 years than between 12-19 years. This information will allow us to target prevention before rates begin to climb,” said Dr. Finn.

To view the Girl Scout Research Institute study visit http://www.girlscouts.org/research/publications/original/healthy_living.asp.

To view ACFN’s press release, click here.

To download ACFN’s TRIUMPH report in PDF format, click here.