Yesterday, a study was released claiming that pizza consumption is a top contributor to the caloric intake of children and adolescents.  The study also asserts that on days when they eat pizza, children and adolescents have a higher tendency to over-consume calories than they do on days when they do not eat pizza.

Sadly, this study appears to be yet another attempt to oversimplify the challenge of reducing or preventing childhood obesity.  Reduce or eliminate pizza and caloric intake will decrease … maybe, maybe not.  As we’ve shared before, singling out any one food or beverage does nothing to teach consumers about the importance of moderation and balance.  Instead of demonizing soda - or pizza for that matter - why not work together to help educate children and adolescents about how to balance what they eat and drink with what they do? We think that’s an important conversation to be part of – and why our industry is working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to help reduce beverage calories in the American diet.  And we’re not stopping there.  We have had a long-term partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to help support mayors looking for comprehensive solutions to the complex societal challenge of childhood obesity. After all, we know that when we bring people together we get further faster.  It’s a lot more productive than standing still and watching obesity levels continue to rise.

For more information on our industry’s commitments to being part of the solution to helping reduce obesity, visit DeliveringChoices.org.