We are facing a global obesity epidemic. In America, Gastric Bypass Surgery is now common, even in teens. Weight related health problems are a significant national healthcare cost.

In a PBS fund-raising drive, the presenter thanked the doctor for bringing valuable nutrition advice to PBS and said that most people aren't aware how important nutrition is.

I'd like to thank PBS for it's role in public education. Yet, the majority of cooking shows on PBS would not meet USDA guidelines. Virtually all recipes on PBS cooking shows are about meat, dairy and eggs.

The USDA's new plate indicates the majority of one's diet should be made up of vegetables, grains and fruits. PBS needs to ensure:

1) Each show's recipes should meet the USDA guidelines.

2) Over the show series, each food group should receive airtime in proportion to the USDA plate.

3) Where a show is about a specific food group, these shows must be balanced with others shows that compensate for the exclusive airtime this food group receives.

Diet changes can reverse heart disease (See Pres. Clinton's diet changes video above) and type 2 diabetes, and reduce risks for stroke, cancer and high blood pressure.

By raising the profile of the healthy food groups, PBS can be instrumental in reversing the obesity epidemic and healthcare crises in the US.