Food issue worth debate

Dr. Erik Steele’s column on March 4 begins, “Some things are not worth debating.” This is true when telling your child to take out the trash, but is not the case when it comes to discussing proposed state legislation. On the important issue of public policy regarding food and nutrition, it’s vital that all perspectives be respectfully heard.

As a registered voter of the great state of Maine and a registered dietitian for over two decades, I cannot underscore enough that obesity is a complex issue. Genetics as well as psychological, cultural, dietary and other factors can contribute to weight gain.

The American Dietetic Association has stated for years that, “ALL foods can fit in a balanced diet.” Given the ADA is the recognized authority in the field of nutrition, in my opinion its viewpoint on the subject is worth promoting. Simply removing soda and candy from schools as LD104 suggests will not solve the problem.

Scientific evidence clearly illustrates, the most significant cause of obesity is inactivity. According to federal government data, obesity among youth 12-19 years of age has risen over 10 percent in the past 20 years, while calorie intake has remained fairly constant. During the same time period, physical activity has declined by 13 percent.

Our increasingly sedentary society is at the core of the rising obesity problem. Rather than telling kids to eat less, and to avoid some of their favorite foods and beverages – both unrealistic propositions, we should focus on promoting a more active lifestyle.

To correct another inaccuracy, I am a dietitian and the incoming president of the Maine Dietetic Association (MDA), not a paid lobbyist. I am a consultant to many food companies. Recently, I was hired as a consultant to the Maine Soft Drink Association to help them better understand the issue of childhood obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and the role of soft drinks in the diets. The Maine Soft Drink Association, rightly, believes that Mainers should have a choice and understand the facts.

We all want to resolve the issue of increased childhood obesity. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet. We must seek scientifically proven solutions, which often conflict with “first glance” ideas. It is also up to nutrition professionals, educators, and parents to work together with the community, industry and legislators to find practical, workable solutions to the issues we face.

In Maine, only 4.8 percent of high school students attend physical education classes daily, six times less than the national average, 32.2 percent. After-school intramural and community programs, or mandatory physical education classes at all grade levels, would better offer children the opportunity to exercise and learn skills for a fit lifestyle.

Good nutrition habits, when taught early in life, can provide a solid foundation for a healthy weight throughout life. Thus, let’s teach our children to make choices based on balance, variety and moderation. My professional and personal activities have supported and will continue to support the ADA and widely held scientific facts. For this reason, I have lectured on nutrition to Girl Scout troops, taught cooking at an after school program, and assisted teachers with nutrition lesson plans. In addition, I have volunteered and co-lead a community program that took middle school children skiing to help them increase their physical activity.

Others tell me in my profession that the consistency between my beliefs and my actions, combined with my professional experience, and proven leadership skills as a volunteer officer in professional associations since 1990, is why my colleagues elected me the next president of the Maine Dietetic Association.

Dr. Steele is, however, right in one regard, “getting Americans to be healthy is a job for all of us.” Now is the time to examine all of the scientific facts and work together to find solutions to the problem of obesity and assist all children in Maine to live their lives “the way life should be”

Carol M. Meerschaert, RD, LDN, lives in New Gloucester.