A letter to the editor from Newt Williams, a national volunteer advocate of the year for the American Heart Association.
Nashville, TN – Studies show that we tend to underestimate the calories in the foods we eat. We also tend to eat out or order take-out a lot more these days. That’s why it’s so important that we have adequate information on menus and menu boards to make informed food and beverage choices.
Menu labeling is an inexpensive, common-sense measure that tells us what’s in the foods offered. It lets US make the choice. Without it, we’re eating blind.
More than two-thirds of us in Tennessee are overweight or obese. The obesity rate here doubled to 32% in only 15 years, the fastest rise anywhere except Oklahoma and Alabama. As national volunteer advocate of the year for the American Heart Association, I know well that it’s a major risk factor for the No. 1 killer,cardiovascular disease.
Tennessee took the lead nationwide on this issue in 2009, as more than 20 scientific and community organizations joined the Tennessee Menu Labeling Coalition: Tennessee Obesity Taskforce, AHA, American Diabetes Assoc., American Cancer Assoc., Tennessee Hospital Assoc., UT Center for Public Health, Vanderbilt University Diabetes Center, and more. I’m proud of the role we’ve played in support of consumer choice.
As the FDA develops rules requiring calories on menus and menu boards, we hope that the final rule will include places such as movie theaters and ensure that there’s clear information on all menu items. We know that a key to better health is eating with our eyes wide open in and outside the home.
Newt Williams
Nashville, TN 37215