Understanding Americans’ Approach to Weight Management, Food Choices, and Eating Behaviors
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
- Adam Drewnowski, Ph.D., Director, Center for Public Health Nutrition, University of Washington Center for Obesity Research
- Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, M.S., R.D., Director, Health and Wellness, International Food Information Council and The Foundation
Americans’ desire to lose and/or manage their weight is the main reason behind their motivation to improve the healthfulness of their diet. Still, Americans continue to struggle to achieve a healthy weight despite all that has been done to try and change behavior. You’ll explore the many factors that impact consumers’ food and beverage decisions and eating behaviors, and how each relates to weight management challenges. Presenters will help you examine consumer attitudes toward diet, weight, and physical activity, as well as receptiveness to food-based solutions. As a result, you’ll be able to take away fresh opportunities for product development, and help consumers build healthier diets and achieve optimal weight.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Adam Drewnowski is a world-renowned leader in innovative research approaches for the prevention and treatment of obesity. He is director of the Nutritional Sciences Program and professor of Epidemiology and Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. He also serves as director of the Center for Public Health Nutrition and the University of Washington Center for Obesity Research. Dr. Drewnowski is a joint member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. His current research focuses on the relationship between poverty and obesity, and the links between obesity and diabetes rates in vulnerable populations and access to healthy foods.
Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak is director of Health and Wellness at the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and The Foundation in Washington, D.C., where she specializes in consumer and opinion leader communications on a variety of food safety and nutrition issues. Her work includes conducting research, developing communication workshops for opinion leaders, representing IFIC at conferences, and communicating with the media. A registered dietitian, she is also a certified group fitness instructor and has operated a private practice specializing in weight management. Ms. Reinhardt Kapsak’s research endeavors include nutrition and physical activity interventions related to childhood obesity.