A bill aimed at studying the nutritional quality of food marketed and offered in U.S. schools has received some important support.
The Endocrine Society, the worlds largest and most active society devoted to the study of hormones, says that aggressive marketing to children can lead to poor food choices.
The Food Marketing in Schools Act was introduced by Representative Carolyn McCarthy in July 2007. It calls for an in-depth study of the nutritional value of foods and drinks marketed in middle and high schools, as well as the vehicles advertisers use to reach young consumers in our nations schools.
“This study will provide insight for policy makers, parents and school administrators to determine whether the messages directed at school children lead to unhealthy choices and if policies need to be changed. The Society supports prevention strategies aimed at lowering the prevalence of childhood obesity in our nation and around the world,” the societys president, Dr. Robert Vigersky says.
Studies have shown that some foods available in schools have minimal nutritional value, and are high in sugar, fat and sodium.
Poor diet has been linked to childhood obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Some suggest the alkaline diet which is based on citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes as a good way to combat weight.