"A comprehensive report on the causes and solutions for childhood obesity in the United States has taken a new approach to the epidemic. The report, which was released on Thursday by a panel of top researchers, calls for a broad societal strategy rather than focusing on personal responsibility. . . . .
'Focusing on the environment and not just on individuals is a breakthrough," said Dr. Kelly Brownell, director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders. "The committee's multilayered approach, so that nutrition is not just personal responsibility, makes it innovative. Taking on the forces as powerful as the food industry can be a real challenge.' . . . .
Senator Tom Harkin, the Iowa Democrat who was chairman of a committee that had asked for the report in 2002, said he thought that controversial sections of the recommendations - like advertising restrictions - would meet with less resistance now than when he introduced similar legislation 25 years ago.
'I am hopeful it will be different now because we are reaching a critical mass,' he said. 'Given the right leadership from the White House, Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, I think we can make some great strides in a very short period of time.'"
My prediction? While I don't mind advertising limitations, and I love the idea of better labeling, I believe the trial lawyers are angling for the fast-food industry to become the new tobacco-style cash cow.
Thanks, Tom.
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