Federal panel takes aim at obesity in America

A federal panel just released their proposed 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and it appears to be taking direct aim at obesity. Dietary guidelines in the U.S. are reviewed and updated every five years by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. The final report will be released later this year.

The proposed guidelines call for Americans to drastically decrease their salt intake, eat a more vegetarian-based diet, and include more physical activity in their daily routines while eating less lean meat, poultry, and eggs. The guidelines call for the recommended daily salt intake to be decreased from 2,300 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams. The panel also suggests eating more vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

The panel that developed the guidelines consisted of scientists and nutritionists. The group also suggested that Americans consume less sugary beverages and soda and eat more seafood and low-fat dairy products. In addition to diet changes, the group said physical activity needs to increase if the nation is to fight back against obesity. The new guidelines suggest at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity or 1.25 hours of vigorous-intensity activity each week for adults and an hour or more of moderate-intensity to vigorous physical activity each day for children and teens.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese and in the opinion of the panel members obesity is “the single greatest threat to public health in this century.” The panel also commented that while the science behind eating habits has changed in the past 30 years, the way Americans eat has not and that must change.