NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday 27 February 2002
Hot Dogs Are Offal:
Doctors Prescribe Veggie Dogs
Washington, D.C.—In light of new findings that frequent
consumption of hot dogs and other processed meats is associated with a significant
increase in the risk of diabetes, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
today called on sports stadiums, movie theaters, grocery chains, and convenience stores to
do their part to promote good health in Americans by promoting vegetarian hot dogs, rather
than the usual meat-product variety.
A scientific report published in Diabetes Care in March 2002 showed that in a
group of 42,504 health professionals, consuming hot dogs, bacon, salami, or sausage two to
four times per week increased the risk of diabetes by 35 percent. Consuming these products
five or more times per week increased risk by nearly 50 percent.
A typical "all beef" hot dog derives nearly 60 percent of its calories from
fat and contains about 40 milligrams of cholesterol, making it a contributor to the
dietary pattern that encourages not only diabetes, but also obesity, heart disease, and
other health risks.
"A frankfurter is
not 'All-American’ and never was. But the diseases promoted
by this kind of food have become All-American epidemics," said
PCRM president Neal D. Barnard,
M.D.
Meatless hot dogs, made of soy or other vegetarian ingredients, are now readily
available—some brands are even owned by meat companies that have seen the need to
diversify. They taste very similar to the meat varieties, and many have no fat or
cholesterol at all.
"When parents buy their kids meat hot dogs, they are encouraging the eating
pattern that leads to obesity and health problems down the road," Dr. Barnard said.
"Parents should always demand the vegetarian choice for the sake of their kids."
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee
for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes
preventive medicine, particularly good nutrition, and conducts clinical
research trials. PCRM also promotes higher standards in research.
PCRM joins other health
organizations in favoring vegetarian diets. In 2000, PCRM doctors
published a scientific report of the single largest cholesterol
reduction ever reported in any diet research trial in women under
50, using a vegetarian diet.
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