Hello, I’m MeMe Roth of the National Action Against Obesity, as well as a coalition member of the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity. Also, I’m part of the Columbia University and Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Counselor program. And I live and work here in New York City (which means I eat at a lot of New York City restaurants...)

Part of the National Action Against Obesity mission is to expel junk food from our nation’s schools and childcare centers. We’re also working toward eliminating obesity- and disease-accelerating substances from the food supply. And finally--and most pertinent to today’s proceedings--is National Action Against Obesity’s efforts to eradicate Secondhand Obesity. That’s obesity handed down from one generation to the next and across the culture.

I don’t need to quote obesity statistics to anyone in this room. You know we Americans are eating ourselves sick. And we all suffer from the effects.

Thankfully Mayor Bloomberg, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden and the entire New York City Department of Health and Hygiene are willing to help.

When I say “we Americans” and “we all suffer from the effects,” I intend to say “we.” We, as in, “me too.” When you look at me you might not realize it, but you are looking at obesity. I come from a long line of obesity—those so-called “fat genes” run strong in my family. I’ve needed to watch my weight since about age 12, and of course I was extra-vigilant through 2 pregnancies, and well, sadly, I seem to be getting older—and that cruel, slowing metabolism is aging right along with me. I say all this because regardless of these potential strikes against me, I consider myself to be someone who lives in Defiance of Obesity.

How am I doing it? There’s no magic diet. Instead I rely on information. I read every word on nutrition labels—grateful to be warned if something might contain added trans-fat or high fructose corn syrup. Sure, I exercise daily and eat loads of vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, but vital to my success in keeping healthy is arming myself with every bit of information I can. And like everyone else, maintaining weight for me is the same equation: Energy In / Energy Out. Calories.

I intend to keep living in defiance of obesity. I’ve never understood the notion that prevention is optional. I’d like to lower my risk for disease and premature death. And I certainly don’t want to pay higher health insurance premiums…or cause anyone else to.

What I’m asking for today is that you make it just a little easier for me to take personal responsibility for my health…by boldly and ubiquitously posting Calories on menu boards and on menus—right alongside the price. When I intend to buy a meal, I need to know how much it will cost. Not just in terms of my wallet, but also my waistline.

It is vital that I, and New York City citizens like me, have all the information necessary to make informed decisions about food. Please respect my health and my right to have all the necessary information possible to make the best decisions for myself—and for my children. I’d like the obesity cycle in my family to end with me.

It’s imperative that we make many changes in an effort to reverse the obesity health crisis. Displaying Calories alongside menu items is a small yet important change that will impact all New Yorkers—saving lives, health and quality of life.

I thank you, New York City Board of Health, for hearing my remarks.