To The Telegram:
As lawmakers carve out new legislation to rein in health care spending, new research underscores the need to reform existing nutrition policies to achieve real savings. Obesity cost the United States an estimated $147 billion in medical bills last year, according to a new study in Health Affairs.
As a dietitian, I know the government could cut down on health care spending by making low-fat, nutrient-rich foods more available in school lunches and other federal programs. The percentage of overweight and obese children is now at least 30 percent in 30 states, but studies show that a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains can lower the risk of developing obesity and other chronic diseases.
Reforming the Child Nutrition Act to support more fruits, vegetables and vegetarian meals in school lunch lines would pay off in a big way when our nation's youth have lower rates of obesity and need less medical care.
-- Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.
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Director of Nutrition Education
Washington, DC
