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ACFN CALLS ON CONGRESS TO SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE OBESITY SOLUTIONS

Washington, D.C., June 3, 2004 - Susan Finn, Ph.D., R.D., chair of the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN), called for public-private partnerships as a means for fighting obesity as she testified today before the House Government Reform Committee.

Dr. Finn also emphasized the importance of placing energy balance – or ensuring that the number of calories burned equals the number of calories consumed – at the center of individual and collective weight management programs.

“Like most experts in the health field, I believe that the ultimate solution to the obesity problem is energy balance,” testified Dr. Finn. “If we are to develop long-lasting and comprehensive obesity policies that will truly help Americans, we must address both sides of the weight loss equation – nutrition and physical activity.”

Dr. Finn held up the Department of Health and Human Services’ newly launched “Small Steps” public education campaign as an example of a positive program that embraces the fundamental elements of energy balance through smart eating and regular physical activity.

But she pointed out that this is not a battle that one group can fight alone. “All sectors of society must work together to tackle obesity. We need increased partnerships between the public and private sectors to find definitive, achievable, science-based solutions.” Specifically, Dr. Finn explained that we must:

  • Expand and transfer knowledge. Government and private sectors must work together to identify and bridge knowledge gaps through scientific and behavioral research, and ensure that consumers can use this information in their daily lives.

  • Provide and communicate about innovative products and services. The food and beverage industry is taking steps to address consumer needs by developing more nutritious products and improved nutrition information. Industry is also sponsoring community nutrition and activity programs to help Americans meet their personal health and nutrition goals.

  • Improve nutrition education and physical activity. Improved nutrition and physical education curriculum and adequate resources – especially for children – are paramount to helping Americans achieve energy balance for long-lasting behavior change.

For more about ACFN, go to www.acfn.org

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.