This event included a screening of the documentary “Fed Up,” highlighting the food industry’s marketing of sugar-filled foods and the impact on childhood obesity. Panel discussion followed, including Stephen Devries, Executive Director of the Gaples Institute; Margo Wootan, Director of Nutrition Policy for CSPI; and Representative Robyn Gabel, Co-Sponsor of the Illinois Soda Tax Bill.
Issues raised by the movie and panel included:
- Marketing soda and junk food to kids is pervasive and powerful. Parents play the key role, but marketing impacts food choices at school and when out of the home.
- A calorie isn’t always a calorie. Equal calories theoretically contain the same amount of “energy”, but different sources effect the body differently For example, sodas and highly processed grains raise sugar levels more than equal calories of whole foods. Also, some calories are more satiating than others (think nuts over donuts!)
- Exercise plays a critical role but isn’t enough to burn off massive calorie overload. Running a mile burns about 100 calories. Ready to run 4 miles after those medium fries?
Photo is from the reception with Michael Jacobson, Executive Director, Center for Science in the Public Interest.