UNDERSTANDING and MANAGING

SWEETNESSA International Scientific Conference

Organized by

ILSI-India · Oldways

17 September 2009 · Hotel Taj Mahal · New Delhi, India

THE CONTEXT FORUNDERSTANDING

ANDMANAGING SWEETNESS

Dr. K. Dun GiffordPresident and Founder, Oldways

Boston, Massachusetts

Understanding and Managing Sweetness

is an education program for health professionals and

consumers.

It responds directly to the need for

new approaches that effectivelyaddress the steady world-wideincreases in overweight and

obesity,and the chronic diseases that

follow.

It is a science-based, practical approach:

(1) To consuming a healthful, balanced diet based

onfamiliar, delicious foodsand drinks, and

(2) To living a healthy lifestyle.

The Context forUnderstanding and Managing

Sweetness1. Rising world-wide rates of overweight and

obesity that are precursors for increased chronic health diseases.

2. Declines in physical activity in homes, workplaces, and schools -- joined by poor eating and drinking habits, increasing urbanization, and intense internet usage -- are contributing causes.

3. Current solutions/programs for these chronic diseases are proving ineffective to reverse these trends.

4. Searches for “quick fixes” ignore the real obstacles to reversing over-consumption and under-activity.

Q.: What Is Understanding and Managing Sweetness? A.: It is a science-based, common-sense approach to enjoying sweet tastes, foods and drinks wisely.

Q.: How does it work?A.: It works in three ways:

1. It informs individuals and families about how to manage their calories of sweet foods and drinks.

2. It emphasizes the health and energy benefits

of balanced diets and healthy lifestyles

and urge choosing foods and drinks wisely.

3. It includes physical activity as a full partner with wise eating.

This Oldways “Managing Sweetness” approach has been widely recognized by leading international media.

One example, in the Financial Times:

Human evolution depended on learning how to develop and manage a reliable food supply. This required :

• Creating and maintaining shelter • Farming grains, vegetables and fruits • Raising food animals • Catching fish and shellfish • Cooking foods from plants and animals • Storing foods.

“Managing” is a learned behavior

that is essential for human life.

“Sweetness” is a sense, or sensation.

Sweetness signals safe and nutritious food.

“Bitterness” is also a sense, but warns of foods or drinks that may be dangerous,

or even poisonous.

Sweetnessis

an essential mammalian sensation,

because it directs infants, at birth,

to safe mother’s milk.It continues as a guide to

safe foods and fluids throughout life.

In summary:

It is important to remember that eating, drinking and exercising are

behaviors.

“Managing” these behaviors wisely is a learned behavior.

Because of the staying power of food habits, causing changes in these

behaviors generally requires use and application of sophisticated behavior

change techniques.

Dr. K. Dun GiffordPresident and Founder, Oldways

Boston, Massachusetts

Understanding and Managing Sweetness

Thank you very much.