Federal Panel Says U.S. Residents’ Diets Contribute to High Rates of Health Issues

U.S. residents' diets are contributing to high rates of obesity and preventable chronic diseases, according to a report released Thursday by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The report noted that about two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese and that about half of U.S. adults have a chronic disease connected to poor dietary habits and physical inactivity. The report raised concerns about sugar and recommended "real limits" on its consumption, especially among young people.

• "Nation's Top Nutrition Panel: The American Diet Is Killing Us" (Whoriskey, "Wonkblog," Washington Post, 2/19).
• "Healthful Diet Report: Sugary Drinks Out; Coffee, Eggs In" (Jalonick, AP/U-T San Diego, 2/20).