Asked if the “F as in Fat” report is sending the wrong message, Blair responded that “another report hyping the obesity epidemic and how awful it is will not move us very far towards a solution.  In my opinion there is too much emphasis on soda, snacks, fast foods, etc; when the evidence that these things are important causes of the problem is lacking.

Blair recommends we “focus on objective measures of activity and fitness, and on healthful diets.  Let the focus be on healthful behaviors rather than weight.” 

So here is an idea that might seem radical: instead of measuring what we don’t want (obesity), how about focusing on what we do want? HEALTH!

My first pass at an acronym HEALTH -- Healthy Eating Active Learning Targeting Humans -- might not be the best, but it underscores that health is a process, not a destination, achieved through activities that provide impact over time.

“F is for Fat” recommended a national strategy involving all government agencies.  I cannot imagine any organization that includes every agency of federal, state and local governments would be effective.  What I can imagine is the president, national and state leaders using the “bully pulpit” to focus on the right behaviors: healthy eating and activity. 

Instead of just talking about policy, we should try something new.  For instance, the Republican Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association could challenge states to see which could increase by the greatest amount the average activity per resident.

If it is true that a clear goal creates a better, clearer path to success, then let us clearly define the goal - Health, and move to a behavior that makes sense - Activity.

How about measuring A for Active?