HALSAmd battles obesity; Greenwich weighs in

The majority of American adults are now obese or overweight and childhood obesity rates have soared in the past three decades, according to Greenwich-based HALSAmd, a medically based weight-management clinic that is spreading the word via a documentary on the issue.

Greenwich has joined the effort by proclaiming a townwide sugar-free day, just four days before Halloween, likely the sugariest day of the year.

HALSAmd hosts a free screening of the documentary film “Fed Up” at the Cole Auditorium at the Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave., Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.

A promotional release for the film “Fed Up,” to be shown in Greenwich on Oct. 27.

HALSAmd said in a press release that Americans consume about 152 pounds of sugar a year and 80 percent of 600,000 food products sold in the U.S. have added sugar.

Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 27 as “Skip Sugar Day in Greenwich.” Selectman David Theis will read the proclamation prior to the screening.

“Fed Up” is produced by newswoman Katie Couric and Laurie David, the Oscar-winning producer of “An Inconvenient Truth.” It is directed by Stephanie Soechtig.

“This film serves as a wake-up call to everyone to pay attention to the foods they eat,” said Peter Sibirzeff, co-founder of HALSAmd and HALSAmd Research, a nonprofit “dedicated to address, educate and coordinate medical treatment and behavioral counseling to reduce the rate of obesity in Fairfield County and beyond.”

“Even if you are not overweight, excess sugar consumption can put you at risk for serious illnesses,” Sibirzeff said.

The film maintains “only 30 percent of people suffering from diet-related diseases are actually obese; while 70 percent of us ”” even those who look thin and trim on the outside ”” are facing the same consequences.”

Soechtig said in a statement, “I really hope the audience leaves feeling with a sense of obligation. The system isn”™t going to fix itself ”” we all need to get involved if we want things to change.”

A free obesity screening coincides with the screening and is co-sponsored by the First Bank of Greenwich; the Spa at Delamar at Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel; Back 40 Mercantile, an Old Greenwich retailer of items from small-batch purveyors; Moore Physical Therapy, with centers in Darien, Wilton and Stamford; Fontana Bridal Salon in Greenwich; the Junior League of Greenwich; Yogasmoga retail workout clothier; and supermarket Trader Joe”™s.

Registration for tickets is available at HALSAmd.com.