Obesity increases the risk for health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and respiratory illnesses. About one third of American adults are obese and obesity rates among children are increasing, and the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition, or ACFN, aims to address the epidemic through calorie balance.
Background
The American Council on Fitness and Nutrition, or ACFN, is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy eating and physical activity. It supports educational programs to increase knowledge and physical activity in locations such as workplaces and schools, and the ACFN also conducts research. In its mission statement, the ACFN emphasizes how important it is for a diverse group of experts to work together to address obesity and healthy living. The ACFN is not affiliated with the government.
Healthy Schools Partnership
The Healthy Schools Partnership, or HSP, is a program to increase physical activity and improve nutrition in schools. The ACFN, PE4Life and American Dietetic Association promote multiple USDA programs using the HSP. For example, registered dietitians in the HSP help to identify students who qualify for USDA free or reduced school lunches, and HSP encourages children to eat fruit and vegetables in support of the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. HSP also makes referrals to food banks and USDA-supported programs.
Triumph Series
The Trends, Resources and Inspiration for Understanding and Maintaining Physical Health, or Triumph, Series is an example of the research that ACFN conducts to promote fitness and nutrition. In the Triumph Series, the ACFN looked at local physical activity and nutrition programs around the nation. The research found that successful programs had many similar characteristics. For example, successful programs were culturally sensitive to their target populations, they were fun if they were for children, and they emphasized both physical activity and nutrition.
Other Information
Dr. Susan Finn is the president and CEO of ACFN, and Alison Kretser is the executive director. Both are registered dietitians and experts in physical fitness. Members of the council include several of the largest companies from the U.S. food industry, and the advisory board consists of experts in medicine, nutrition and fitness. The ACFN welcomes comments and suggestions, and you can contact the organization via email. You can also sign up for email updates to stay informed about ACFN activities.
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