By Elizabeth M. Whelan, Sc.D., M.P.H.
Posted: Monday, May 27, 2002

LETTER
Publication Date: May 27, 2002

To the Editor:

Attempts to ban "junk food" from schools are not the answer to childhood obesity (front page, May 20). How will school officials define junk foods? A serving of potato chips and half an avocado each has about 15 grams of fat and 160 calories. Will schools ban avocados?

It's extra calories, from any source, that contribute to obesity. So is it a lack of nutrients that makes a food "junk"? If so, would vitamin fortification alter the category?

All foods are healthy when they are part of a balanced, varied diet. Instead of talking about "good" and "bad" food, let's teach children the basics of nutrition and the value of exercise.

Elizabeth M. Whelan

The writer is president of the American Council on Science and Health, a public health group financed by private foundations, trade associations, companies and individuals.

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Source Notes:  
The New York Times