U.S. appoints Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

BETHESDA, Md., May 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. government announced Friday the appointment of 15 nationally recognized experts to serve on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the Dietary Guidelines serve as the foundation for national nutrition programs, standards and education.

In addition, the guidelines provide key recommendations for the general population as well as specific population groups to help people choose an overall healthy diet that works for them.

"As we aim to improve the health of all Americans, we look forward to the important work of this committee," Sebelius said in a statement. "Their guidance will help shape recommendations on how we can all live healthier lives by eating a nutritious diet -- a key factor in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight."

Dr. Barbara Millen was appointed chairwoman. She is a professor at Boston University School of Medicine until 2009 and the founder and president of Millennium Prevention, Inc., a start-up company with a public health mission.

The inaugural meeting of the committee is scheduled for June 13-14 and will be open to the public. For additional information, including meeting details visit: www.DietaryGuidelines.gov.