Statement of American Heart Association on Department of Health and Human Services' Plan to Combat Obesity

3/9/2004

From: Eric Bolton or Kelly Kennai, 202-785-7900; both of the American Heart Association

WASHINGTON, March 9 -- The following is a statement by the American Heart Association on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' plan to combat obesity:

"The American Heart Association applauds Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson for his continuing efforts to combat obesity, including today's announcement of a public education campaign to encourage Americans to adopt healthier lifestyles. We also thank Surgeon General Richard Carmona, Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health, for their combined efforts to raise awareness and collect information about this growing public health threat.

"According to CDC statistics, all indications are that obesity, caused by physical inactivity and poor diet, may soon overtake tobacco use as the nation's leading cause of preventable death. If we are to reverse the trend, we must take action now to learn more about the factors that contribute to obesity and educate Americans about how they can incorporate healthy nutrition and physical activity into their lives.

"Today's announcement of a national public education campaign and the NIH research plan to combat obesity will go a long way to helping Americans overcome this epidemic and will help stop the spread of a variety of chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association looks forward to supporting all HHS agencies in their work for a healthier nation."