FTC Initiates Obesity Discussions

The Federal Trade Commission is taking steps to bring together the organizations and agencies that can help make a difference in childhood obesity

While recently reading an article from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), I was pleasantly surprised by some of the steps being implemented in joint ventures between food manufactures, the entertainment industry and various government, social and private industries. Sparked by the FTC these organizations came together to ascertain how they could help quill the rising numbers associated with childhood obesity. Everyone is aware of the numbers and the meeting between these organizations and agencies was a step in the right direction.

Although there remain considerable efforts in the battle of the adolescent bulge, we can take solace in the fact that some major points were addressed, among them were:

· This will require the efforts of parents, schools, communities, health care, media, government and industry.

• Reeducation of parents and children emphasizing proper nutritional intake
• The development and promoting of healthier products and packaging
• Healthier choices available at fast food restaurants
• Stricter marketing and advertising when dealing with children
• More focus on energy balance
• Healthier choices and conscientious marketing and advertisements in schools

There is much discussion on the subject of childhood obesity, but the recognition by these agencies and their combined efforts to foster change on the various levels, I believe are required to impact this situation, indicates we are moving in the right direction. This obesity epidemic that we are now facing is something that needs to be taken much more seriously by all parties involved if we are to abbreviate these numbers.