Studies Show That Kicking the Meat Habit Is the Best Way to Combat Obesity

For Immediate Release: 
October 13, 2009

Contact:
Kate Brindle 757-622-7382

Washington -- This morning, PETA sent a letter to Lisa Gable, executive director of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), pointing out that PETA would be an ideal partner when it comes to helping HWCF reach its goal of significantly reducing obesity in schools and workplaces by 2015. PETA points out that the only nutritionally sound weight-loss plan that has been scientifically proven to take weight off and keep it off for more than a year is a vegan diet. Members of HWCF--which boasts $20 million in funding--include PepsiCo, Kellogg's, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition Foundation, the American Dietetic Association Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, and others.

"As long as unhealthy foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products are on the table, obesity will plague American children and adults," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "A vegan diet contains zero cholesterol, loads of fiber, and is the most powerful weapon in the fight against fat."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA's letter to HWCF Executive Director Lisa Gable follows.

October 13, 2009

Lisa Gable
Executive Director
Health Weight Commitment Foundation

Dear Ms. Gable,

I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 2 million members and supporters to express our interest in joining the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF). PETA would be the perfect addition to your coalition, as we have a long and successful track record of promoting a vegan diet, the single most healthful way to shed unwanted pounds.

As you may know, overwhelming scientific evidence shows that vegans are far less likely to be overweight than meat-eaters and far more likely to be in better overall health. The American Dietetic Association--the nation's largest group of nutrition professionals--reviewed hundreds of studies and concluded that vegetarians have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than people who eat meat. A healthy vegan diet provides all the nutrients that we need to thrive--without the saturated animal fat and cholesterol found in meat, eggs, and dairy foods that make people fat and clog their arteries. Most vegan foods are naturally low in fat and calories, so it's easy to eat a satisfying diet without worrying about piling on the pounds.

A government review of studies on weight loss found that about two-thirds of dieters gain back all the weight within a year, and a whopping 97 percent gain it all back within five years. Quick fixes and fad diets don't work over the long-term, and many endanger people's health. The only nutritionally sound weight-loss plan that has been scientifically proven to take weight off and keep it off for more than a year is a vegan diet.

As a member of the HWCF, PETA would be able to provide valuable resources, such as our popular (and free!) "Vegetarian Starter Kit," available at PETA.org. Working together, we can help Americans kick the meat habit and get them on their way to slimmer, healthier, happier lives.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President