July 14, 2004 Recent News
Public health groups warn public about health risks associated with low-carb diets
Europe and U.S. firms take note of low-carb trend’s impact
Weighty new world: obesity gains ground as global killer
Biggest growing health crisis in the UK: Obesity
Study shows women may consume more snacks after periods of stress
Organic food trend chips out a niche in snack food aisle
Public health groups warn public about health risks associated with low-carb diets
With mounting evidence that the low carb craze is leading many Americans to make unwise decisions about the amount and types of foods they eat, Partnership for Essential Nutrition issued this stern warning: Low carb diets are unlikely to lead to sustained long-term weight loss and they can increase the risk for a number of life-threatening medical conditions.
(Excerpted from PR Newswire - 6/22/04)
Europe and U.S. firms take note of low-carb trend’s impact
About 95% of US and European food and drink makers say they cannot ignore the impact of low-carb diets on the industry. Of the food makers surveyed, almost two-thirds saw the low-carb trend as an opportunity and over 25% had already made a product for the category. Sectors most likely to be affected are bakery, confectionery and snack foods. People in Western Europe are tending to put on weight, with a third of them now being overweight. By 2006, that is predicted to be almost 50% and by 2007, the European dieting market is forecast to be worth over 100 billion euros. Studies found that the Atkins low-carb diet outperformed traditional low-fat diets in the short term but offered no weight loss advantages after the first year.
(Excerpted from Food Institute Report 24 May 04)
Weighty new world: obesity gains ground as global killer
A third of all deaths globally are connected to weight problems, lack of exercise and smoking, and no countries are being missed in the obesity epidemic. China is noted as being the biggest growth market for fast food restaurants, with new outlets opening almost every day. Type 2 diabetes is blamed for over three million deaths a year and afflicts 154 million people. According to a World Health Organization forecast, that number will double in the next 25 years. About a third of all deaths globally are blamed on heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. In regions where there is no extensive health care program, heart disease death rates for adults in the 30-59 age group are twice as high as in the US and a study found them five times as high in Russia. Consumption of oils and fats, has doubled in the last 30 years and is forecast to keep growing. Sugar is another factor, and one scientist calculates that the average American drinks the equivalent of a 55 gallon drum of soda each year.
(Excerpted from Associated Press, 5/8/2004)
Biggest growing health crisis in the UK: Obesity
With a third of the United Kingdom's children currently overweight or obese, action must be taken immediately to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. Activity levels are declining among children. In response, Norwich Union has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging and enabling more children to enjoy sporting activities, and to provide further opportunities for people to enjoy more physical activity and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
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(Excerpted from Manchester Evening News - 7/7/04)
New obesity bills
In the US Senate, Bill Frist (R-Tennessee) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) presented the "Childhood Obesity Reduction Act." The bill would earmark $2.2 million in FY05 for a Congressional Council to Combat Childhood Obesity, which would do such things as highlight successful school programs, develop model nutrition and exercise plans for schools, and coordinate outreach and public awareness efforts. After two years of considering and selecting model programs, the Council would create a foundation to award grants to schools for implementing model anti -besity programs. The "Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention (HeLP) America Act" purpose is to fight chronic diseases and obesity. It would address obesity in both children and adults. Among plans in the bill are implementation of mandatory menu labeling at chain restaurants and making more pedestrian and bike paths.
(Excerpted from Food Chemical News Daily, 6/25/2004)
Study shows women may consume more snacks after periods of stress
Women exposed to frustrating stress in a problem-solving environment ate more snack foods after the session ended than men. Researchers at Penn State University said previous studies had shown that both men and women eat more during stressful events, but this study showed that some people, mostly women, continue to eat more once the stress stops. Men ate the same amount of snacks regardless of the stress. The plan is to watch sugar and carb intake and find novel ways to exercise. One way to lighten up that is recommended is to drink low-calorie Minute Maid light drinks.
(Excerpted from PR Newswire (U.S.) 18 Jun 04)
Organic food trend chips out a niche in snack food aisle
Organic snacks sales are growing by leaps and bounds. "Sales of organic chips, nuts, nutrition bars and candy jumped 29.6% last year." Only organic meats grew at a faster rate. Organics are Frito-Lay's fastest-growing line and this year, Frito-Lay is the No. 1 seller of organic snacks. Frito's recent introductions include organic Tostitos chips and organic Doritos are next. Today the organic consumers are mainstream; busy families' snacking has replaced the family meal. This has led to a record 129 organic snack.
(Excerpted from USA Today June 16, 2004)
