April 01, 2004

By: Olivia Hansen
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

Many Factors Contribute to Weight and Overall Health and Fitness, NFPA Tells Senate Committee

No one factor should be singled out or overemphasized in addressing issues related to overweight, obesity or overall fitness, according to a nutritionist with the National Food Processors Association.

Many factors contribute to weight gain or loss, Robert Earl, R.D., MPH, Senior Director of Nutrition Policy. Overemphasis on any of the numerous factors almost certainly means that efforts to reduce weight or increase physical activity will not be successful.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on May 21 on the topic of fitness and health, particularly childhood obesity. NFPA will provide formal comments to the Committee.

Caloric intake must be balanced with physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and promote health and fitness, Earl stated. Certainly, weight reduction and maintenance should not be focused solely on caloric reduction. Children, in particular, need an adequate intake of nutrients for proper growth. Moreover, caloric reduction without physical activity will not promote overall health and fitness in either children or adults. Balance is the key.

Earl noted Education is vital for consumers of all ages to understand the critical role of healthful eating and physical activity as the formula for fitness and health. The food industry is a leader in consumer education, through such tools as the Nutrition Facts panel on packaged foods, which provides important information on not only individual products but also the role those products play in a consumer’s diet. Other resources such as company web sites and toll-free numbers serve as a primary source of nutrition information for many consumers.

Earl concluded, The food industry applauds efforts by the U.S. government to promote physical activity, particularly among school children. NFPA looks forward to working on ways to better educate consumers on the importance of healthful eating, physical activity, and a lifestyle that balances these two critical components of fitness and health.

About The Author:

Olivia Hansen is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.  Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.