Letter to the Editor to the Orlando Sentinel on childhood obesity

March 9, 2004

Letters to the Editor
Orlando Sentinel
633 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando, Fla. 32801-1349

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the nation's 878,000 restaurants, I take issue with the Orlando Sentinel's March 5 article "Unhappy Meals," and express my disappointment at the reporter's lack of objectivity in her approach to the complex issue of childhood obesity. The article misses the point that obesity is about the imbalance of calories in versus calories out and that moderation, balance and physical activity are the keys to living a healthy lifestyle.

The restaurant industry prides itself as an industry of choice, providing myriad options to fit the individual dietary needs and preferences for both children and adults. In fact, 75 percent of consumers customize their restaurant meals by asking for alternative preparation methods, off-the-menu orders and substitutions — providing flexibility for consumers, especially parents, to make smart dining decisions when ordering for their children.

Restaurants are willing to be part of the solution, and do so arm-in-arm with the consumer – particularly parents. It is crucial for parents to educate their children about a healthy lifestyle, and to take an active role in helping them achieve it. I encourage your readers to learn how the restaurant industry proactively promotes healthy lifestyles by visiting the National Restaurant Association's Web site at www.restaurant.org.

In the future, I hope the Orlando Sentinel remembers that it is simplistic to blame food as the sole culprit for obesity among some Americans. And, as dietary experts continue to remind us, there are no "good foods" or "bad foods" —all foods can be part of a balanced diet.


Sincerely,



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