Friday, September 12, 2003
USDA admits: "We're fat and we don't move around much"
The Department of Agriculture is proposing dietary advice that for the first time recognizes that a majority of Americans, 64 percent, are overweight and sedentary and need to eat less.
The new recommendations call for most women from 35 to 70 years old, for instance, to eat 1,600 to 1,800 calories a day, and for most men in that age group to eat 2,000 to 2,200 calories. Previously, the recommendation for most such people, then assumed to be active, was about 600 calories more.
"Over all, the message is that people have to eat a lot less than they are currently eating," said Dr. Marion Nestle, chairwoman of the department of nutrition and food studies at New York University. "People will be shocked at how little it is."
The proposals, being published today in the Federal Register, will now be subject to a period of public comment. The final version will serve as a basis for a new Food Guide Pyramid.
Public comments - that means you. Tell them what you think. Story here.
posted by chris at 1:40 PM
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