The FDA says the Keystone report could help American industry and consumers take important steps to successfully combat the nation's obesity problems.
Experts in industry, government, civic sector organizations, and academia recommendations include: 1) understanding and influencing consumer behavior; 2) increasing the availability of lower-calorie products, menu items, and meals; and 3) providing consumers with nutrition information.
Acting FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. says, "The recommendations may help industry members, educators, researchers, government, and health care professionals take steps to reduce the obesity rate and the health and economic burdens that come with it."
Since the late 1980s, adult obesity has steadily increased to the point at which more than 65 percent of all Americans are now overweight and over 30 percent are obese.
The FDA also says 15 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 are overweight -- nearly double the rate of two decades ago.
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
According to some estimates, obesity results in thousands of deaths a year and accounts for $117 billion in U.S. health care expenses annually.
