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Menu labeling of caloric content a critical tool in fighting obesity

A letter to the editor from Newt Williams, a national volunteer advocate of the year for the American Heart Association.

American Heart AssociationNashville, 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.

Calorie labeling on restaurant menus
Calorie labeling on restaurant menus

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.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration - FDAAs 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

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor

This is a letter to the editor. The views expressed herein are those of the sender; and are not necessarily the views of Clarksville Online, its staff, or advertisers. To submit a letter to the editor, send it via email to letters@clarksvilleonline.com with the subject Letter to the Editor. Please include your real name, city, and zipcode. These letters are published as our schedule allows.

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