Analysis: Beyond hype over low-fat study

A more balanced portrayal...


RB

http://www.upi.com/ConsumerHealthDai...2-030050-6217r

ABSTRACT

......"We have reams and volumes of information showing a moderate, healthy fat diet along with exercise, whole grains, fruits, and veggies, lowers cancer risks," Gerbstadt said. "If people are looking for an 'out' to eat poorly, this is not a green light for slacking on healthy eating principles," she added"......


Analysis: Beyond hype over low-fat study

By CHRISTINE DELL'AMORE
UPI Consumer Health Correspondent

WASHINGTON, March 2 (UPI) -- Since the federal Women's Health Initiative published findings in February reporting that low-fat diets -- at least in post-menopausal women -- may not protect against breast or colorectal cancer, heart attacks and stroke, the media has seized upon the studies as an enduring overhaul of what we've always believed.

But don't reach for that cheeseburger just yet. The fracas over the research, in particular the low-fat study, may be jumping to conclusions too soon, Jacques Rossouw, project officer of the initiative, told United Press International at a conference in Bethesda this week. Rossouw joined hundreds of researchers, study participants and doctors at a two-day meeting on the initiative's major findings and its legacy.

"We as scientists need to be responsible in our public health messages, and provide a balance," Rossouw said. "But the media picked up the message as the fact these trials are overturning conventional wisdom. They haven't."