Obesity in the U.S.

A new report on childhood obesity in the U.S. came out the other day, as reported in the SJ Mercury News: "Likening the obesity epidemic to the smoking problem this country once faced, the health experts hashed out a 382-page blueprint on preventing childhood obesity that is the most comprehensive look yet at what to do about the problem. They are urging Congress to lead the way, pointing out that fat children already are developing heart trouble, diabetes and psychological problems."

Coincidentally I'm sure, I started seeing ads on TV this week from a group called "The Center for Consumer Freedom." From the "about us" section: "The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition of restaurants, food companies, and consumers working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices." They feature an article called "Big Fat Lies": "Trial lawyers increasingly see dollar signs where the rest of us see dinner. Activists and bureaucrats are proposing radical obesity 'solutions' like zoning restrictions on restaurants and convenience stores, as well as extra taxes and warning labels on certain foods. As rhetoric about the 'obesity epidemic' has itself reached epidemic proportions, the Center for Consumer Freedom has released a new report entitled 'An Epidemic of Obesity Myths,' in which we present evidence that disputes many commonly cited statistics and presumptions driving today’s obesity hysteria."

Reminds one of the "debates" over smoking and global warming.