Pulitzer Prize Winner Michael Moss to Keynote Scripps Conference Jan. 31

In “Salt Sugar Fat,” Moss takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the processed food industry and its link to the emerging obesity epidemic. Based on his interviews with top industry executives from Kraft to Coca-Cola, Moss explores how Americans have become dependent on processed food. In the United States, sales of processed foods now top $1 trillion per year and the average American eats 33 pounds of cheese and 70 pounds of sugar a year.

Moss explains how food inventors and scientists use cutting-edge technology to optimize ratios of salt, sugar and fat in foods and beverages. Among their primary goals is to reach consumer “bliss points,” which trigger pleasure centers in the brain, driving product appeal, consumption – and in some cases, addiction.

As part of his keynote, Moss will offer practical insights for health-conscious consumers to keep in mind while grocery shopping, from product packaging to nutrient listings to shelf placement.

Moss’ address is a consumer-focused event that is part of a larger continuing medical education conference for health care professionals presented by the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine – the 11th annual Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Update,” which runs from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. For more information or to register to attend, call Scripps Conference Services at 858-652-5400.

Founded in 1999, the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine blends evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies with conventional Western medicine, in a “best of both worlds” approach to preventing and treating disease, healing and improving health. The center cares for people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stress, pain, weight management and other health issues.

Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego, Calif.