Last summer, obesity had only begun to enter the American public’s consciousness. Since that time, it has become nearly impossible to pick up a newspaper or turn on the television without seeing some reference to the growing problem of obesity.

The heads of national and international health organizations, including the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director General of the World Health Organization, have declared obesity to be a critical threat to public health and a major contributing factor to the problem of non-communicable chronic disease globally.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took up the cause, launching its "Small Steps" public education campaign to encourage American families to take small, manageable steps -- versus drastic changes -- within their current lifestyle to ensure effective, long-term weight control.

We all have a role to play in the fight against obesity. Just as there is no single cause of obesity, there is no simple solution. The problem has come about because of complex economic, cultural, social and genetic factors. All corners of society must come together to take action against obesity in a collaborative, strategic manner.

Formed in January 2003, the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a non-profit association comprised of food and beverage companies, trade associations, nonprofit groups and nutrition advocates working toward comprehensive and achievable solutions to the nation’s obesity epidemic. Now in our second year, ACFN has more than 60 members, including the American Dietetic Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and is guided by an Advisory Board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change.

Throughout the first year, ACFN worked to build a strong organizational foundation. We met informally with medical professionals, exercise and recreation groups, dietitians, public health leaders, elected officials and educators. These meetings provided an opportunity for participants to share success stories and provide insight related to reversing the overweight and obesity trend.

In 2004, ACFN is collaborating with health professionals, educators, governments, policymakers and consumers to promote lasting approaches to stemming the tide of obesity.

In an effort to lead this collaboration, ACFN recently launched a new web site at www.acfn.org, offering:

• A clearinghouse for state-specific obesity information;
• An interactive section called "Ask Dr. Finn" that allows visitors to ask healthy lifestyle questions;
• A calendar of obesity-related events as well as extensive links to a broad cross section of stakeholders in the obesity debate;
• An outline of efforts by government, industry, national and local programs and others to combat obesity; and
• An online media resource center that includes press releases, statements, news stories and testimony by ACFN, its partners and others engaged in combating obesity.

We encourage you to visit the site regularly, to use it as a resource and to register online if you would like to receive future communication electronically.
This summer, ACFN will launch two pilot programs, one in Baltimore and the other in New York City. These programs will emphasize the importance of regular physical activity and balanced nutrition in achieving and maintaining life-long health.

In partnership with a local Boys and Girls Club, the Baltimore pilot program seeks to educate African-American youth on the importance of healthy lifestyles. The eight-week program will feature a weekly, interactive "cooking" segment to teach children how to eat and prepare healthy snacks and meals. The program will encourage participants to become more physically active through walking and other fitness challenges and will include an online component at www.kindnetic.com.

The second program will take place in Queens, N.Y., and will combine traditional food, music and physical activity demonstrations to help empower the Hispanic community to make more informed healthy lifestyle choices. In partnership with the National Supermarkets Association, the event will take place at a local market and will highlight the importance of both balanced nutrition and physical activity. A chef who specializes in Latino cuisine will prepare traditional dishes with a healthy flare while program volunteers will discuss and demonstrate how certain cultural activities like salsa dancing can make physical activity fun and enjoyable.

2004 has already been quite a busy year, but there is still much work to be done. The more we come together and share knowledge and ideas, the more power we have to make a difference. So, as the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition works to advance the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity in achieving a healthy lifestyle, we welcome you to contact us with any comments or questions that you might have. We look forward to communicating with you in the future.

Best regards,