The connections between diet and health cannot be overstated.
Simply having the per-serving food facts on recipes will not change eating behaviors. Still, this useful and important tool sheds light on the nutritional make-up of recipes. With accurate nutrition facts, consumers can make informed decisions about the foods they choose to cook, serve and eat.
Overweight and Obesity
According to the Office of the Surgeon General, “the primary concern of overweight and obesity is one of health and not appearance.” The spreading obesity epidemic in the United States is a major public health hazard.
- The number of American adults who meet the definition of overweight or obese has reached a staggering 61 percent. (The Surgeon General’s Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity)
- 108 million Americans, ages 20 and older, are considered overweight. (2002 Heart and Stroke Update, AHA)
- Obesity contributes to higher cost increases for health care services and medications than do either smoking or drinking. Being obese is like being 20 years older than what you really are. (Rand Study)
- Almost 14 million U.S. children—24 percent of the population from 2 to 17—are obese, more than double the number in 1970. And, 1 in 10 are considered clinically obese. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Cardiovascular disease
According to the American Heart Association, “good nutrition is important for preventing heart disease and stroke. Healthy food habits help maintain normal blood pressure, desirable blood cholesterol levels and a healthy body weight. They may also aid blood clotting, oxidation, maintaining a normal heart rhythm and other effects. A poor diet, on the other hand, contributes to high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and excess body weight.”
- Close to 62 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease, that’s one in five males and females have some form of cardiovascular disease.
- More than half are women.
- Only a third are over age 65.
- Heart disease is the number one cause of death in USA.
- 50 million Americans have high blood pressure: one in five Americans, one in four adults. (2002 Heart and Stroke Update, AHA)
Diabetes
There’s an estimated 17 million Americans living with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, a jump of more than a million in two years. An estimated 90% to 95% of diabetics have Type 2 Diabetes. Diet and exercise can help keep diabetes under control.
- Diabetes is on the rise in all age groups. “What was once a disease of our grandparents is now a disease of young adults and teenagers. And it’s pretty much due to the life we all live.” (Francine Kaufman, pediatric endocrinologist, Children’s Hospital, LA, President-elect, American Diabetes Association)
- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. At least, 20 million Americans are affected by kidney and urologic disease, with at least a million more at risk. (National Kidney Foundation)
- Although medical experts predict that more than 75 percent of people with diabetes will experience heart disease, research has also shown that it can be prevented.(Make the Link! American Diabetes Association)
- HHS’ Diabetes Prevention Program, a major clinical trial, found that diet and exercise resulting in a 5% to 7 % weight loss lowered the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes by 58 percent. Participants lost weight by cutting fat and calories in their diet and by exercising (most chose walking) at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, “About one-third of the cancer deaths that occur in the US each year are due to nutrition and physical activity factors, including obesity. For the majority of Americans who do not use tobacco, dietary choices and physical activity are the most important modifiable determinants of cancer risk.” (Cancer Facts and Figures 2002, ACS)