An analysis of products included in a popular school-based marketing program finds that less than one third of participating foods and beverages meet federal Smart Snacks in School standards. Food marketing targeted at children is a billion dollar industry, often promoting foods and beverages that are calorie-dense and low in nutrients. Schools are a significant […] Continue reading
Author: Boone Brian Gorges
A comprehensive whole-community approach to reduce childhood obesity shows promise
The World Health Organization reports that children who carry excess weight are more likely to stay overweight into adulthood and develop chronic diseases at a younger age. These include cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and certain cancers such as breast and colon. Childhood obesity prevalence in the U.S. […] Continue reading
More than cooking, Teaching Kitchens as learning labs for life skills
With dramatic increases in obesity and diabetes, the search is on for innovative strategies to change the paths of those living with, or at risk for developing these and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. In conjunction with good medical guidance, holistic strategies are needed that will improve the way people eat, move, and think. Dr. David […] Continue reading
U.S. Government Eases Sodium and Whole Grain Standards for School Meals
In the U.S., over 30 million students consume at least one meal in school every day. With such broad reach, strong standards for healthy, high-quality food can have a significant impact on the health of the nation’s children. Yet a new proclamation by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture takes a different route, partially rolling back the […] Continue reading
Removing Trans Fats from Restaurant Menus Associated with Drop in Heart Attacks and Strokes
Does a public health measure such as restricting trans fats from restaurant menus really make a difference? A study published April 12th in JAMA Cardiology nods yes. Between 2007 and 2011, 11 New York State urban counties restricted the use of trans fats in public eateries including restaurants, bakeries, cafeterias, park concessions, and senior meal […] Continue reading
An industry-funded attempt to cast doubt on science-based sugar guidelines?
There’s no nutritional need or benefit that comes from consuming added sugar, yet our global supply of heavily processed foods is full of it—from breakfast cereals and salad dressings, to pasta sauces and soda. Sugary drinks are of particular concern, as they are a well-documented contributor to the obesity epidemic, and multiple studies link these beverages to increased […] Continue reading
Leanness combined with healthy lifestyle factors found to be most protective against early death
The Takeaway: An increase in healthy lifestyle factors (never smoking, exercise, moderate alcohol intake, and an overall healthy diet) is associated with a reduced risk of early death at any BMI, though lowest risk was found in lean individuals (BMI of 18.5-22.4) practicing at least three of these habits. Continue reading
Spotlight on Soda
Taxes, warning labels, and industry influence: sugary drinks are a growing topic in policy discussions both nationally and internationally. Earlier this year, following evidence-based recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines—for the first time—included a limit on added sugars at less than 10 percent of total calories. For an average […] Continue reading
Study sheds light on dairy fat and cardiovascular disease risk
Until recently, when you visited the dairy aisle, chances are you headed straight for the blue carton of milk—the skim milk that is. But recent buzz about dairy fat may cause shoppers to pause in front of the oft-shunned red carton of whole milk or other full-fat dairy products, as research suggests that their relationship […] Continue reading
Activating a Move-Friendly World
Sometimes the most innovative ideas do not rely on the latest technology but perhaps something far more challenging: changing the norm. Imagine this scenario. You are attending a fascinating lecture, diligently taking notes, when abruptly the speaker pushes away the microphone and steps from the podium. She requests everyone to rise from their seats and […] Continue reading