Because obesity is so widespread in the United States, a panel of scientists is recommending that federal dietary guidelines stress two approaches for better health: Have people maintain a steady weight and increase physical activity. "We are building on the concept that many Americans aren't maintaining a healthy weight," says nutritionist Barbara Schneeman, dean of the UC Davis College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and a member of the 11-person national advisory committee charged with reviewing the nation's dietary guidelines. "If people are at least at a weight they can maintain, that's much healthier than constantly losing and regaining weight. If they do lose weight, we're suggesting they start by trying to lose only 5 percent or 10 percent of their weight." The recommendations, which have been forwarded to the federal departments of agriculture and health and human services, also include an increased emphasis on fruits and vegetables in the diet, the importance of the vitamin folate and how to balance a vegetarian diet. Setting a less negative tone than the previous edition of the dietary guidelines, the committee suggests that the guidelines simply stress moderation in consumption of alcohol, sugar and salt.