Nov 10, 2004
WASHINGTON, DC — November 10, 2004 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today announces the launch of an exciting new resource — a comprehensive Web site addressing the critical issue of obesity.


The Web site will serve as a one-stop shop for FMI members and consumers trying to make sense of the vast amount of information currently available on the subject. It is broken down into three major sections: Obesity; Weight Loss, Weight Control and Dieting; and Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle.


“With the majority of Americans being classified as ‘overweight’ or ‘obese,’ we found it important to design a tool to help FMI members and their customers explore the many components to this epidemic,” said Dagmar Farr, FMI group vice president of legislative and consumer affairs. “Consumers seeking answers now will have a central resource to consult for the information that they need.”


In addition to defining obesity in children and adults, the site details the health risks and economic costs of obesity. It allows consumers to determine if they are at a healthy weight and presents the National Institutes of Health’s key recommendations for treating obesity.


The site also allows consumers to gather personal information such as their recommended caloric intake and body mass index.


“I think consumers will find this Web site to be far-reaching,” said Farr. “Obesity is a multidimensional issue, and this Web site covers the causes, the solutions and everything in between.”


The Web site also provides consumers with information on some of today’s most recognizable buzzwords: carbohydrates, calories and trans fats. Additionally, it explains how diets work and offers a comparison of some of the most popular contemporary diets.


To visit the FMI Obesity Web site, go to the FMI home page (www.fmi.org), highlight the “For Consumers” section and click on “Obesity Resources.”