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ASN report promotes small changes against obesity

22-Jan-2009

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The American Society for Nutrition (ASN), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and the International Food Information Council (IFIC) have published a report advocating small lifestyle and diet changes in the fight against obesity.

Appearing in the February issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the report is the fruit of a joint task force set up by the three organizations in 2006.

“By shifting our focus to small changes in diet and physical activity, we can prevent weight gain and potentially reduce the magnitude of the obesity problem. Large permanent changes in diet and activity are much harder to implement and sustain. Significant benefits to society are possible by promoting small, achievable changes,” said ASN president James Hill, PhD.

As well as promoting physical exercise, the recommended “small changes” include reducing portion sizes by 5 percent, eating a nutritious breakfast, and replacing sweetened beverages with non-caloric beverages.

The ASN, IFT and IFIC Joint Task Force on Food and Nutrition Science aims to encourage dialogue between the food science and nutrition communities to impact nutrition policies, public health, and research opportunities.