Washington Post, June 17, 2002, p. A16

The discussion of obesity by Kelly D. Brownell and David S. Ludwig ignores factors other than diet that determine whether someone is living a healthy life.

Several studies have come out recently that underscore the fact that physical activity plays a large role in health. Columbia University released its findings from a recent study that made the link between television and video viewing among children and the increased risk and rise in obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recently came out with a study indicating that nearly 40 percent of Americans do not participate in any form of physical activity. Science proves that food is not the sole culprit of obesity.

The restaurant industry is engaged in innovative programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle, including contributing millions of dollars to support nutrition education and physical activity programs, both at the community and national level.

Mr. Brownell and Mr. Ludwig's intimation that the nation's restaurants and food industry are using political means to influence policy and supporting physical activity programs as a vehicle solely for product promotion are not only inaccurate, they are also unfair.

Steven C. Anderson
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Restaurant Association