In comments delivered to the Obama Administration, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) today offered its support for the President's Task Force on Childhood Obesity and efforts by First Lady Michelle Obama designed to raise awareness on the critical issue of childhood obesity. To advance these goals and the Let's Move campaign, IFT cited the important need for a public-private dialogue on the science of food to counter childhood obesity and highlighted several research needs to focus the scientific discussion moving forward.
"We recognize the critical value of raising public discourse on food and health issues associated with childhood obesity, and food science will continue to play a critical role throughout that discussion," said IFT President Marianne Gillette. "In that regard, IFT believes it is imperative to foster a public-private dialogue based on the science of food. This will support the Task Force's scientific agenda and the First Lady's commitment to educate children and families on the importance of making the right food choices and encouraging an active lifestyle."
In commentary delivered to the Task Force on Childhood Obesity, IFT cited the critical role of focusing on stakeholders from the entire food system. IFT highlighted the need to forge partnerships with other health-focused organizations to create a multi-disciplinary dialogue on the science of obesity prevention. Citing a successful public-private initiative, IFT noted the wide array of public and private partners committed to food, health and nutrition issues through The MyPyramid Alliance developed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and collaborative efforts through the USDA's Small Changes Summit. (http://www.mypyramid.gov/Challenge/index.html)
IFT recommends bringing together a multi-disciplinary dialogue among scientists from academia, government and industry with a focus on the science of food. Key research efforts should include:
More research on biomarkers, including the identification of reliable long-term behavioral and biological obesity risk indicators
Identification of effective interventions to enhance short- and long-term weight management
Understanding what drives food-related behaviors, which is essential to the development of effective behavior modification strategies
Much is not understood about the influences of food composition, properties, cost, portion size, packaging, labeling, and availability on behavior
The impact of time allocation and constraints as related to food choices
Research on effective consumer messaging, consumer interpretation of nutrition information, and critical area of consumer education
Studying non-obese and non-overweight populations to garner more knowledge about potential causes and drivers of obesity
"With the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines in March 2011, it is an opportune moment in time to bring all those interested in the issue of obesity together to provide balanced scientific, technical, and business perspectives on creating healthful foods to meet growing consumer demand," said Gillette. "This is especially important so that industry can continue the process of developing healthful foods in tandem with public efforts to educate consumers on making healthy food choices and lifestyle changes that promote better overall wellness."
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