Grocery Manufacturers Association: Study Signals Progress in Battle Again...( WASHINGTON May 28 -- Robert Brac...),Health

WASHINGTON, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Robert Brackett, chief science officer for the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), today released the following statement in response to the findings on childhood and teen obesity rates reported in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA):

"We welcome the findings reported in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicating that the rise in childhood and teen obesity rates has halted and we hope that these findings will encourage all stakeholders to continue in their on-going efforts to help reduce obesity among our children and teens.

"Today's findings are clearly a sign that progress is being made on this important public health issue. The food and beverage industry is committed to the goal of reducing obesity rates and encouraging healthy lifestyles among children and we look forward to continuing to work with government, public health officials and all stakeholders in this critically important effort. We will continue to provide consumers with healthier options, market our products responsibly and invest in programs that promote healthy eating and more physical activity."

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world's leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps to protect the safety and security of the food supply through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the association's member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation's economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at http://www.gmaonline.org.