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American Dietetic Association surveys: |
American Dietetic Association says consumers should keep in mind there is no "magic bullet" to healthful and safe weight managementFor Immediate Release September 17, 2002Media contact: Lori Ferme, Bridget McManamon, Tom Ryan CHICAGO-When it comes to commercial weight-loss programs and dietary supplements, the nutrition professionals of the American Dietetic Association recommend consumers make their diet decisions based on facts, not hype. The Federal Trade Commission's report issued today (September 17) on advertising practices of companies that sell weight-loss dietary supplements concluded that the use in ads of "false claims, misleading consumer testimonials and deceptive before-and-after photos" is widespread and that they promise "weight-loss results beyond what is possible." ADA advises all consumers to keep in mind that there is no "magic bullet" solution to healthful and safe weight management. "The American Dietetic Association agrees with the report's conclusions, which are consistent with ADA's longstanding positions and our messages to consumers on food and nutrition information, obesity and safe and healthful weight management," said registered dietitian and ADA President Julie O'Sullivan Maillet. Americans spend more than $30 billion annually on weight-loss products and programs. "Some are based on solid nutrition science, while others are gimmicks with little or no research to show they are effective or safe, especially in the long term," Maillet said. "The public's interest in addressing food, nutrition and health concerns such as weight loss and maintaining healthy weight afterward is best served by sound science, solid information and a commitment to action, not by fad diets and zealotry for any single approach," she said. "Weight management is a lifelong process. It means adopting a lifestyle that includes a healthful eating plan, coupled with regular physical activity," Maillet said. "For a tailored approach to weight management, consumers should seek the advice of a dietetics professional, whose expertise is in helping people develop safe and healthful eating plans suited to them personally." According to the American Dietetic Association's "Food and Nutrition Misinformation" position statement: "Promoters turn preliminary findings into sales pitches with baseless claims, often for the sole purpose of economic gain. Effective nutrition communication is consumer focused and presented with sufficient context to allow consumers to weigh the information and determine whether it applies to his or her unique needs. "Nationally credentialed dietetics professionals are best prepared to communicate sound advice and scientific advances about nutrition. These dietetics professionals have a responsibility to take an active role in providing accurate, easily understood food and nutrition information, interpreting emerging research for media and consumers and encouraging consumers to look for credentialed dietetics professionals as nutrition experts." As dietary supplement sales and use have skyrocketed in recent years, Maillet noted that some weight-loss plans require their customers to take supplements. "ADA believes that a diet that requires supplements is by definition unbalanced, and that most healthy people can and should obtain the nutrients they need from food," she said. "With the exception of such prescribed supplements as prenatal vitamins, most healthy adults who follow a varied, balanced and moderate eating plan - such as one based on the Food Guide Pyramid - do not need vitamin or mineral supplements," Maillet said. On the issue of weight-loss supplements, ADA's official position on "Weight Management," updated and published in June, recommends supplements should be used only by prescription and "only as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including behavior therapy, diet and physical exercise." "The herbal preparations for weight loss do not have standardized amounts of active ingredients and have been reported to have harmful effects. Certain over-the-counter preparations containing propanolamine [Dexatrim and related compounds] have no proven efficacy for short- or long-term weight loss and are being recalled because of the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke. Ephedrine plus caffeine and fluoxetine have been tested for weight loss but not approved, and over-the-counter and herbal preparations are currently not recommended." As obesity rates in this country have doubled over the past two decades, to the point where half of all Americans are overweight and childhood obesity has become a significant national health issue of its own, the American Dietetic Association has identified obesity as a primary focus of its work. One of the Association's top priorities is to promote healthy weight for children. "Addressing obesity will reduce people's risk for many conditions and reduce the soaring health-care costs that are now spent treating diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, osteoarthritis and other health- and life-threatening conditions," Maillet said. "We need coordinated actions by government, educators, the health-care community and the food industry and individuals and their families to make progress in helping all Americans become and stay healthy." For the most up-to-date and reliable information on food, diets and supplements, consumers can turn to the American Dietetic Association and its nearly 70,000 members. ## |
Gerber and American Dietetic Association Announce Start Healthy™ Nutrition Advisory Panel of Leading Pediatric Experts - Panel to release feeding guidelines for children under 24 months in 2003. Survey shows parents are concerned about proper nutrition for babies, yet don’t know what to do Media Contacts: Terry Boylan, Gerber Products Company Rebecca Edwards, Ruder Finn Philadelphia (October 21, 2002) -- Gerber Products Company and the American Dietetic Association today announced the assembly of the Start Healthy™ Nutrition Advisory Panel comprised of leading pediatric experts from around the nation. In the coming year, the expert panel will develop feeding guidelines for infants and toddlers for use by consumers and pediatric health professionals. Panelists will also provide strategic direction and scientific expertise in developing applications of the groundbreaking, just-completed Gerber Feeding Infants and Toddlers study (FITS) of 3,000 infants and toddlers. A recent survey showed that over 90 percent of parents believe the foods babies eat can impact their eating habits later in life, and 76 percent are concerned with the current obesity problem among school-age children, yet seven out of 10 parents don't know how many fruits and vegetables to feed their children each day. The Gerber-sponsored survey polled 500 U.S. parents of children under two years old. "Currently, we perceive a gap in nutrition knowledge and information for parents of infants and toddlers, which may lead to health consequences later on. The creation of this panel is a crucial step in Gerber's Start Healthy™ campaign to bring scientifically sound, accurate and responsible educational messages to parents," said Frank Palantoni, CEO, Gerber Products Company. "Research shows that introducing babies to a wide variety of nutritious food choices between six and 24 months will help them continue to make healthy choices later in life." "Parent concerns about childhood obesity and eating habits are well-founded. The number of overweight pre-school-aged children is on the rise," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. "One of the most significant concerns from a public health perspective is that we know that many overweight children grow up to be overweight or obese adults, and thus at greater risk for some major health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. I applaud Gerber and ADA's pediatric nutrition education initiatives to arm parents with the information they need to help raise healthy children." The panel includes pediatric experts:
"Our nation faces many critical nutrition and health challenges, and among the most important is childhood obesity," said Julie O'Sullivan Maillet, PhD, RD, president of the American Dietetic Association. Dr. Maillet noted that 15 percent of school-aged children are overweight. "ADA has a longstanding commitment to helping all people enjoy the healthiest possible lives. We believe ADA's new collaboration with Gerber, a company with a 75-year history of leadership in infant nutrition, will help deliver valuable children's nutrition research and feeding information to both professionals and the public," Dr. Maillet said. In August, Gerber launched a campaign for pediatric nutrition called Start Healthy™ to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating for infants and toddlers. A comprehensive brochure with tips and information on infant and toddler feeding is available through ADA's Web site, and through the Gerber Parents' Resource Center at 1-800-4-GERBER or www.gerber.com. For more information on children's health, visit www.healthierus.gov and www.childrenshealth.gov. About Gerber Products Company: About the American Dietetic Association (ADA) # # # |
American Dietetic Association survey shows consumers are seeking nutrition information, getting the message, making changes
FOR RELEASE CHICAGO -- More Americans are seeking information on food and nutrition, tuning in to healthful-eating messages and taking action to improve their nutrition and health than at any time in the past decade, according to findings of the American Dietetic Association's nationwide public opinion survey, Nutrition and You: Trends 2002. "The results show that consumers are paying close attention to healthful-eating messages and, especially in the last two years, they are acting on what they have heard to improve the nutritional health of themselves and their families," said New York City registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Keith Ayoob. Every two years for more than a decade, ADA has surveyed a representative sample of the nation's adults on important issues in food and nutrition. A number of the survey's questions were new for 2002, while several questions have been asked in each survey since 1991 to track the evolution of people's attitudes, knowledge, beliefs and behaviors. Each of ADA's surveys has grouped Americans into three categories, based upon their responses to questions about the importance of nutrition and physical activity in their lives and whether they feel they are doing all they can to achieve a healthful diet. The three categories are:
ADA's 2002 survey shows 38 percent of Americans fall into the "I'm Already Doing It" category -- by far the largest percentage in that group in the survey's history. In 2000, 28 percent said they were "already doing it," the largest percentage to date at that point. The number of people who fall into the "I Know I Should, But…" category dropped to 30 percent this year -- the lowest ever in this category -- from 40 percent in 2000. The percentages for the third category, "Don't Bother Me," were unchanged from 2000 to 2002, holding at 32 percent. That is down significantly from a high of 40 percent as recently as 1997. "These key indicators of people's attitudes and behavior toward nutrition and physical activity have held remarkably stable over the past two years," Ayoob said. "It's very encouraging that consumers both recognize the related importance of diet and exercise and appear to be consistently making efforts to keep themselves and their families healthy." Ayoob said the survey results suggest future "migration" of consumers between groups may be limited to people -- comprising about two-thirds of the population -- who pay attention to nutrition messages and then decide whether to act on them. "The 'Don't Bother Me' percentage seems to have dropped about as far as it's going to go and might be settling in at a permanent level," Ayoob said. "In the future, we may start seeing a pattern of people seesawing between 'I Know I Should, But…' and 'I'm Already Doing It.' "The goal for dietetics professionals will be to bring as many of the first group as possible to the second group -- and keep them there."
With nearly 70,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Chicago-based ADA serves the public by promoting optimal health and nutrition. ###
Editor's note:
For more information
about ADA's Nutrition and You: Trends 2002 survey or to interview an
ADA spokesperson, contact ADA's Public Relations Team at 800/877-1600, ext.
4802, 4769 or 4894.
American Dietetic Association survey shows Americans can use some help in sizing up their meals
CHICAGO -- How much is a "serving"? Is it the same as a "portion"? Are restaurant meals getting bigger, especially compared to meals you make at home? How are people supposed to know how much to eat, anyway? "In an era of super-sized meals, many consumers are confused, not only about things like the difference between a serving and a portion, but also about the amounts of food they believe they should eat, both at home and while dining out," said Miami registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson Sheah Rarback. According to the results of ADA's latest nationwide public opinion survey, Nutrition and You: Trends 2002, Americans tend to overestimate the recommended serving sizes for many foods. For example, fewer than half of the respondents accurately estimated the recommended serving sizes of cooked pasta, lean meat or vegetables. "With so many new scientific studies coming out all the time, and with often-conflicting nutrition advice coming at people from all directions, people need help in estimating serving sizes and tailoring portions -- at home and in restaurants -- that are best for them. Also, many restaurants and other foodservice providers have increased portion sizes to improve the perceived 'price-value ratio,' " Rarback said. "This in turn may influence consumers' perceptions of what a portion or serving are. "Dietetics professionals are a great resource for help in choosing the amounts of food that are right for them and their individual lifestyles," Rarback said. While the terms "serving" and "portion" often are used interchangeably, Rarback said they actually mean different things. "A serving is the amount recommended in consumer education materials such as the Food Guide Pyramid, while a portion is the amount of food you choose to eat at any one time -- and that may be more or less than a serving," she said. "Clearing up the distinction may help people in planning meals of appropriate size for themselves and their families." After being provided with the definition of a serving, respondents to ADA's survey were asked to estimate recommended serving sizes of several different types of food. Among the findings:
"It isn't always easy to remember or measure how many ounces constitute an appropriate-sized portion or serving of food," Rarback said. "That's especially true if you're dining away from home. Keeping in mind some everyday visual comparisons can be a big help." ADA offers this advice for quickly estimating serving and portion sizes:
ADA's survey also asked consumers to compare the sizes of restaurant or ready-to-eat meals bought at a supermarket to meals they prepare at home.
Respondents were asked what they do if they are served more in a restaurant than they want to eat.
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Editor's note: For more information about ADA's Nutrition and You: Trends 2002 survey or to interview an ADA spokesperson, contact ADA's Public Relations Team at 800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4769 or 4894.
Survey results are based on telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 700 adults conducted in April 2002 by Wirthlin Worldwide. The survey has a confidence interval of plus-or-minus 5 percent in 95 out of 100 cases. American Dietetic Association survey finds consumers know importance of diet and activity, but misconceptions persist
CHICAGO -- Overwhelming majorities of Americans say diet and physical activity are personally important to them, and increasing numbers of consumers say they believe they are doing all they can to achieve a healthful diet, according to the American Dietetic Association's nationwide public opinion survey, Nutrition and You: Trends 2002. "The findings of ADA's 2002 survey indicate that consumer trends that were spotted in the late 1990s are continuing into the 21st century -- and appear likely to remain stable for the foreseeable future," said Atlanta registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Chris Rosenbloom. "Healthful eating and physical activity are both necessary for optimal health, and we all need to incorporate both into our daily lives," Rosenbloom said. "This is a message that has clearly gotten through over the past several years." Among the results of ADA's survey:
"People are hungry for information on food and nutrition and they clearly understand that nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand for a healthy lifestyle," Rosenbloom said. On the other hand, Rosenbloom said, some nutrition myths die hard. Nearly two-thirds of all respondents to the survey (63 percent) said they consider body weight to be an indicator of a healthful diet. "In reality, no two people have the same body composition. The measure of a person's diet, as well as overall health, is a combination of factors, including weight," Rosenbloom said.
The survey found many people continue to hold onto misconceptions about food and nutrition:
In addition, a growing number of consumers -- 63 percent -- agreed with the statement "It seems like I am always hearing information about what not to eat rather than what I should eat." In 2000, 37 percent said the news "only tells me what I should not eat." "Sorting through the never-ending flow of nutrition information and misconceptions can be difficult, especially for consumers who are trying to make the best choices and to maximize their health and that of their families," Rosenbloom said. "Consumers should know that dietetics professionals and the American Dietetic Association are their top source for reliable facts about food and nutrition, and to turn to ADA for answers and help." Every two years for more than a decade, ADA has conducted a survey to gauge people's attitudes, knowledge, beliefs and behaviors on important issues in food and nutrition. With nearly 70,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Chicago-based ADA serves the public by promoting optimal health and nutrition. ###
Editor's note: For more information about ADA's Nutrition and You: Trends 2002 survey or to interview an ADA spokesperson, contact ADA's Public Relations Team at 800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4769 or 4894. Survey results are based on telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 700 adults conducted in April 2002 by Wirthlin Worldwide. The survey has a confidence interval of plus-or-minus 5 percent in 95 out of 100 cases. |
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EMBARGOED
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NHLBI Communications Dietary Approach Significantly Lowers Blood Pressure A diet low in fat and high in vegetables, fruits, and low fat dairy foods significantly and quickly lowers blood pressure, according to a nationwide trial supported by the National Institutes of Health. The diet worked especially well for those with high blood pressure, producing reductions similar to those from single-drug therapy. But it also proved effective for those with high normal blood pressure, who are at a substantial risk of developing hypertension. The blood pressure reductions occurred without changes in weight, or alcohol or sodium consumption. Results from the "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" (DASH) trial appear in the April 17, 1997, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Preliminary results from the trial had been presented at the American Heart Association meeting in November 1996. The NEJM article gives the final results and describes the diet patterns used. DASH was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), with additional support by the National Center for Research Resources and the Office of Research on Minority Health. All three are units of the National Institutes of Health. "High blood pressure affects about one in four Americans, but there have been few dietary guidelines to help prevent or control it," said NHLBI Director Dr. Claude Lenfant. "DASH offers another nutritional approach. If added to other lifestyle recommendations, the DASH diet should help prevent hypertension and may reduce some persons' need for medication to control the condition." The other lifestyle recommendations are to maintain a healthy weight, choose foods lower in salt and sodium, drink alcohol in moderation (for those who drink), and be physically active. DASH enrolled 459 adults with systolic blood pressures of less than 160 mm Hg and diastolic pressures of 80-95 mm Hg. Of those, 133 had Stage I hypertension (140-159/90-99 mm Hg) but were not taking a medication for it. About half of the participants were women and 60 percent were African Americans, who tend to develop hypertension earlier and more often than whites. The trial examined the effect on blood pressure of whole dietary patterns, rather than of individual nutrients. It compared the effects of three diets: a control diet similar in nutrients to what many Americans consume; a diet high in fruits and vegetables; and a "combination" diet low in saturated and total fat, and high in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods. Both the fruits and vegetables diet and the combination diet had 8-10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables--about twice the average U.S. consumption. The combination diet also had 2-3 daily servings of predominantly low fat dairy foods--about twice the current U.S. consumption and within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. All three diets had about 3 grams of sodium daily--slightly below the average U.S. consumption--and all included fresh, frozen, canned, and dried foods. None of the diets was vegetarian or used specialty foods containing fat substitutes. At the end of 8 weeks, the combination diet produced the largest reductions in blood pressures. Overall, it reduced blood pressure by an average of 5.5 mm Hg for systolic and an average of 3.0 mm Hg for diastolic. For those with hypertension, it reduced blood pressure by an average of 11.4 mm Hg for systolic and an average of 5.5 mm Hg for diastolic. In comparison, after 8 weeks, the fruits and vegetables diet reduced blood pressure for all participants by 2.8 mm Hg for systolic and 1.1 mm Hg for diastolic, and for those with hypertension by 7.2 mm Hg for systolic and 2.8 mm Hg for diastolic. Blood pressure reductions occurred in men and women, and in whites and minorities. Further, the blood pressure reductions happened quickly--within 2 weeks after starting the diet--and were maintained for the rest of the 8 weeks on the diet. The DASH investigators believe the combination diet can help prevent high blood pressure and may be an alternative to single-drug therapy in persons with Stage I hypertension. However, they stress that patients should not stop taking a high blood pressure medication without first consulting their physician. The investigators estimate that if Americans followed the DASH diet and had the degree of blood pressure reductions seen in the trial, there would be about 15 percent less coronary heart disease and 27 percent fewer strokes in the U.S. DASH centers and principal investigators are: Dr. Thomas J. Moore of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, who served as trial chairman; Dr. Lawrence J. Appel of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD; Dr. George A. Bray of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA; Dr. Laura P. Svetkey of Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. The DASH Coordinating Center principal investigator is Dr. Thomas M. Vogt and the project director is Dr. William M. Vollmer, both of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, OR. Dr. Eva Obarzanek, DASH project officer at NHLBI, is available for interviews. To arrange an interview with her or a DASH principal investigator, call the NHLBI Communications Office at 301-496-4236.
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