AMA Announces New Policy on Final Day of Annual Meeting
CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s largest physician organization, concluded its Annual Meeting today and announced the adoption of the following new policy:
Eligibility of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages for SNAP
Millions of Americans from low-income households receive assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Studies have shown that sugar-sweetened beverages account for 58 percent of beverages purchased under SNAP. Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain and a higher risk of future obesity in children. New AMA policy passed today calls on the AMA to work to remove sugar-sweetened beverages from the SNAP program and encourage state health agencies to include nutrition information in routine materials sent to SNAP recipients.
“The AMA is working to improve the nation’s health care outcomes, particularly cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are often linked to obesity,” said AMA President Ardis Dee Hoven, M.D. “Removing sugar-sweetened beverages from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will help encourage healthier beverage choices.”
# # #
Media Contact:
Robert J. Mills
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-5970
robert.mills@ama-assn.org
About the American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA, headquartered in Chicago, is committed to enabling a better health care system for patients and physicians to improve the health of the nation. Through its broad reach and deep relationships, the AMA is initiating partnerships to advance results-focused endeavors that improve public health, improve medical education and improve physician practice sustainability and satisfaction. Visit ama-assn.org to learn more about the AMA.
Tags: