New Guidelines Tackle Obesity Epidemic

In an effort to put a dent in the obesity epidemic in the United States, the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines contain some significant changes from those published in prior years.

According to the report accompanying the guidelines, the obesity problem in the US is the country’s biggest health threat this century.

One major change in the new guidelines is the sodium recommendation for adults, which decreased from 2,300 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams.  The 13 member board of scientists and nutritionists that proposed the new guidelines maintains that changes in the formulation of certain products will have to change, citing the high sodium content in canned and prepared foods.

Other dietary recommendations for every adult:  cut back on sugary foods and drinks, and consume only moderate amounts of meat and poultry, try to implement a plant based diet with an emphasis on dried beans and peas, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as some nuts and seeds.

And the new guidelines aren’t just dietary; the board suggested 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 1.25 hours of vigorous activity per week for adults.  As for teens and children, the recommendation is for an hour or more of moderate exercise per day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has, per the agency’s website, a list of recommendations for families who are serious about incorporating healthy habits:

-Spend less time watching television and other sedentary activities

-Build physical activity into regular routines

-Provide food options that are low in fat and sugar

The CDC also recommends that schools incorporate physical education programs into each and every school day, as well as to make sure on site breakfast and lunch menus follow healthy guidelines.

Citing a 1998 study, the agency also stresses that behavior changes are largely responsible for the sharp increase in the obesity epidemic, which means that although genes may contribute to one’s propensity towards obesity, they do not definitively determine whether a person will become obese or not.