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REINTRODUCTION OF "IMPACT" BILL A NEEDED STEP TO ADDRESS OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY EFFECTIVELY

American Council for Fitness and Nutrition Advocates Sen. Frist for Leadership on Effective, Long-Term Solutions to America's Obesity Epidemic

Washington, D.C., June 3, 2003 - The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition today praised the introduction of the Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT) as an important step toward an effective national strategy to combat the rising rates of overweight and obesity.

“Community- and school-based nutrition education and fitness curriculum is essential if we are going to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s youth,” said ACFN Chair Susan Finn, Ph.D., RD. “To meet this goal, state and local governments must have the necessary resources to effectively address nutrition and fitness priorities in their communities – and IMPACT will help meet those needs.”

IMPACT would authorize specific government programs designed to prevent, diagnose and treat overweight and obesity. Provisions of the bill include:

  • IMPACT would authorize specific government programs designed to prevent, diagnose and treat overweight and obesity. Provisions of the bill include:
  • Awarding grants to local communities to promote physical activity and obesity prevention effort;
  • Funding school-based obesity prevention activities; and,
  • Authorizing research of the causes of obesity, the effectiveness of various weight loss techniques, and the effectiveness of food supplement and nutrition programs.

“Sen. Frist and the co-sponsors of this bill should be commended for their leadership in making nutrition education and physical activity funding a priority,” added Dr. Finn. “By encouraging Americans to develop a healthier balance for life, we’re making a wise investment of our tax dollars that will lead to long-term health benefits for all Americans.”

Rep. Mary Bono introduced companion legislation in February 2003. IMPACT was first introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives during the 107th Congress.

CONTACT
Laura Sheehan
202.715.1526
laura@acfn.org

Christine Tucci
202.715.1517
christine@acfn.org


ABOUT THE AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION:
The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a non-profit organization that brings together food and beverage companies, associations, and health and nutrition advocates to work toward viable long-term solutions to the nation's obesity epidemic. ACFN represents a diverse group of organizations and is guided by an advisory board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. ACFN works with partners to raise awareness of programs and policies that seek to improve health and wellness in America. For more information, please visit www.acfn.org.