FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                   CONTACT:   Phillip Hayes

Monday, April 12, 2010                                                                                 202-507-8303

ASA Statement on America’s Obesity Epidemic

WASHINGTON—The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about efforts to address rising obesity rates in the United States:

“America’s sugar producers believe the nation’s ongoing obesity epidemic is a problem that must be addressed, especially with regards to children.  Doing so will require a rededication to physical activity and smarter eating choices.  

“Sugar should not be singled out during the debate.  At just 15 calories per teaspoon, all-natural sugar has been a part of healthy diets for more than 2,000 years.   Scientific research has proven there is no link between sugar and obesity.  And sugar consumption has actually fallen in recent years while obesity rates continue to rise.  

“Confronting the obesity epidemic cannot devolve into pitting foods against each other or passing the buck.   Solving the crisis must be about personal responsibility and giving Americans the tools they need to make educated decisions about eating and exercising.”

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For more information about the American Sugar Alliance and U.S. sugar policy, visit www.sugaralliance.org