Fat, salt and sugar are leading culprits in America’s weight gain. But nutrition experts say knowing that fact isn’t enough to solve the problem. They say we need to use the scientific knowledge to make our ingrained desire for food work for us rather than against us, and at the same time push for change in the food industry.
Dr. David Kessler is former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. He’s also the author of "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite." Jean Harvey-Berino chairs the Nutrition and Food Sciences Department at UVM, and researches eating habits and the effectiveness of weight control strategies. They spoke with VPR’s Jane Lindholm about why Americans Americans seem to be losing the battle against the bulge.