It appears that your recommendations are not much different from those issued thirty years ago. This model – which promotes a low fat diet high in complex carbohydrates – has led to a substantial decline in the percentage of energy intake from total and saturated fats in the United States. At the same time, it has spurred an increase in the consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugars – a dietary shift that is clearly responsible for the current epidemics of obesity and diabetes.

Carbohydrates are traditionally classified as simple or complex, with complex a healthier alternative. However, many complex carbohydrates produce even higher glycemic responses than do simple sugars. Therefore, the term “complex carbohydrates” is not useful in characterizing the quality of carbohydrates. More useful indicators of carbohydrate quality are fiber content and the type and the extent of processing. Highly refined carbs are the enemy.

The advisory committee does encourage more whole grains and I applaud you for that. Unfortunately, this will not be sufficient to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders nor to improve Americans’ health overall. You state, “The macronutrient distribution of a person’s diet is not the driving force behind the current obesity epidemic.” This conclusion is not based on sound principles of science and nutrition. It is based on dietary myths that have been perpetrated over the last 30 years. We must shift the focus of our dietary guidelines from encouraging restricted fat intake and toward encouraging restricted consumption of carbohydrates, especially refined carbs.

It appears that your recommendations are not much different from those issued thirty years ago. This model – which promotes a low fat diet high in complex carbohydrates – has led to a substantial decline in the percentage of energy intake from total and saturated fats in the United States. At the same time, it has spurred an increase in the consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugars – a dietary shift that is clearly responsible for the current epidemics of obesity and diabetes.

Carbohydrates are traditionally classified as simple or complex, with complex a healthier alternative. However, many complex carbohydrates produce even higher glycemic responses than do simple sugars. Therefore, the term “complex carbohydrates” is not useful in characterizing the quality of carbohydrates. More useful indicators of carbohydrate quality are fiber content and the type and the extent of processing. Highly refined carbs are the enemy.

The advisory committee does encourage more whole grains and I applaud you for that. Unfortunately, this will not be sufficient to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders nor to improve Americans’ health overall. You state, “The macronutrient distribution of a person’s diet is not the driving force behind the current obesity epidemic.” This conclusion is not based on sound principles of science and nutrition. It is based on dietary myths that have been perpetrated over the last 30 years. We must shift the focus of our dietary guidelines from encouraging restricted fat intake and toward encouraging restricted consumption of carbohydrates, especially refined carbs.