Washington, DC – Today the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) will release a report titled “Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity: How do we Measure Up?” The report—two years in the making—is set to outline what can be done about childhood obesity rates in the U.S.
While food companies and restaurants are often implicated as the reason for increased obesity rates among children, it’s important to note the views of former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Mark McClellan. He said: “[I]t’s perhaps surprising that, in a debate that has often focused on foods alone, actual levels of caloric intake among the young haven’t appreciably changed over the last twenty years.” In blaming food alone for childhood obesity, many activist groups have misled the American public.
Center for Consumer Freedom Senior Analyst J. Justin Wilson said: “Much of the ‘war on obesity’ has been waged against false targets. Rather than promote parental and personal responsibility, physical activity, and moderation—all proven to prevent obesity—government panels and activist groups have often championed draconian regulations, litigation, and taxation of food. Unfortunately for today’s overweight kids, government panels and lawsuits have never helped a single child shed weight.”
J. JUSTIN WILSON, SENIOR ANALYST AT THE CENTER FOR CONSUMER FREEDOM, IS AVAILABLE TO COMMENT ON TODAY’S PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS.
