UNDERSTANDING and MANAGING SWEETNESS A International Scientific Conference

1. UNDERSTANDING and MANAGINGSWEETNESSA International Scientific Conference Organized by ILSI-India · Oldways 17 September 2009 · Hotel Taj Mahal · New Delhi, India

2. THE CONTEXT FORUNDERSTANDINGANDMANAGINGSWEETNESSDr. K. Dun GiffordPresident and Founder, OldwaysBoston, Massachusetts

3. Understanding and Managing Sweetness is an education program for health professionals and consumers. It responds directly to the need for new approaches that effectively address the steady world-wide increases in overweight and obesity, and the chronic diseases that follow.

4. It is a science-based, practical approach: (1) To consuming a healthful, balanced diet based on familiar, delicious foods and drinks, and (2) Toliving a healthy lifestyle.

5. The Context forUnderstanding and Managing Sweetness 1. Rising world-wide rates of overweight and obesity that are precursors for increased chronic health diseases. 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. Current solutions/programs for these chronic diseases are proving ineffective to reverse these trends. Searches for “quick fixes” ignore the real obstacles to reversing over-consumption and under-activity.

6. 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 afull partner with wise eating.

7. This Oldways “Managing Sweetness” approach has been widely recognized by leading international media.One example, in the Financial Times:

9. 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.

10. “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.

11. Sweetnessisan 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.

12. 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.

13. Dr. K. Dun Gifford President and Founder, Oldways Boston, Massachusetts Understanding and Managing Sweetness Thank you very much.