Press Release: Low-Carb Action Network Very Disappointed in Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Draft Report
June 22, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2020
Press Contact: Jessica Wharton
jessica@lowcarbaction.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Low-Carb Action Network (L-CAN) today expressed extreme disappointment and concern over the draft report released by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) at its final public meeting on June 17. The Committee presented conclusions that failed to address process and methodology concerns, and continued to exclude virtually all low-carbohydrate studies.
“Frankly, it was difficult to watch the Committee showcase a draft report which failed to respond to concerns that have been presented by a Member of Congress, nutrition and health groups, and American citizens,” said Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, L-CAN Director and a medical doctor. “The Committee continued to ignore highly significant scientific literature on low-carb diets, an approach that has been shown to be effective in preventing and reversing chronic diet-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.”
At its eight-hour webcast meeting, the Committee detailed the conclusions of its draft report, which heavily relied on outdated science from the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, provided no insight into crucial parts of its methodology, and continued to exclude not only studies on low-carbohydrate diets but also virtually all trials on weight loss.
“This ‘expert report’ presents a narrow scope and a flawed scientific process. Its continued exclusion of evidence, lack of consistent standards for scientific reviews, and disregard for a transparent process is unacceptable,” said Cucuzzella. “Millions of Americans depend on the Guidelines. They influence school lunch programs, food in military installations and hospitals, as well as serving as the basis for recommendations by most physicians and dietitians. The Guidelines also inform the Nutrition Facts Panel on food packaging.”
“As an example of the Committee’s flawed approach, it excluded studies that focused on weight loss, even though the rate of adult obesity in the U.S. is now at 42.4 percent, and more than 114 million U.S. adults have pre- or type 2 diabetes. By ignoring the majority of the U.S. population, the Committee is doing a great disservice to the American public.”
L-CAN continues to call for a delay of the final Committee report until concerns around the lack of methodology, transparency, and bias are addressed.
The Final Advisory Report is expected to be available online around Wednesday, July 15. Once online, the 30-day period begins for written comments to USDA and HHS on the Final Report.
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The Low-Carb Action Network is a coalition of doctors, academics, advocates, and Americans with personal success stories, urging U.S. nutrition leaders to include a true low-carb diet as part of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.