HEALTH ALERT: Matthew Vettese Endorses Disney's Efforts to Promote Healthy Diets

NEW YORK, NY, June 14, 2012

When it comes to childhood obesity, it typically comes down to two culprits: inactivity and junk food. For the young generation of couch potatoes, television, video games and computers have all been pointed to by experts as a cause for rising health risks among youth. A recent US News article observes the actions of Disney, one of the most major family-oriented media companies. The leading media outlet is preparing to tackle the issue by rebranding itself to promote healthier diets among its young audience. Nutrition expert, Matthew Vettese is proud of the company for taking such a major step in correcting bad health in America.

Marketed meals will not exceed 600 total calories, and other promoted diets will have to adhere to limited caloric content. However, some experts believe the proposed plan is not going to make that great of a difference, since many of the guidelines are too similar and are not more rigorous than those of the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative. However, the article's author argues that cutting calories is a positive step for nutrition awareness, no matter how aggressive the campaign.

Michelle Obama comments on the move, "With this new initiative, Disney is doing what no major media company has ever done before in the U.S.--and what I hope every company will do going forward." Matthew Vettese agrees with the sentiment, as he has toured schools across the country to raise awareness about healthy diets among youth. He says, "When I speak to children, I can't always be sure they are absorbing the information. However, parents already know that their children look to Disney to set an example - the company has a great chance of making a large impact."

Some in the media industry fear that advertisers and sponsors will pull away from Disney's new regulations. However, the article stresses that the issue extends far beyond profit or professional identity. As Vettese explains, "The company is demonstrating a genuine attitude of concern. They are gaining the support of parents, not corporations, and that indicates that children will become healthier as a result."

While many nutritional and media experts are eager to analyze the results of the new guidelines, they will not be able to expect any statistics soon. The Disney initiative will not begin until 2015, and that is something Matthew Vettese wishes was different. "We see obesity every day, and the need for health is apparent. Children cannot wait three years to be influenced--action needs to come about in a more efficient and direct manner before the problem gets worse."

ABOUT:

Matthew Vettese is an expert dietician who has a PhD in nutritional sciences. Having worked in the field for over ten years, Vettese has made significant accomplishments in raising nutrition awareness and researching the effects of the typical American diet. He has published several articles on childhood obesity and continues to analyze the impact of processed foods in America.

Website: http://matthewvettese.org