Public Policy

Political debate over fat growing along with American waistlines

Published in Obesity and Diabetes Week, September 15th, 2003

Even fat is the stuff of politics in Washington. And with obesity a growing health problem, lawmakers, lawyers, and activists are lining up the way they do for most issues: on two sides.

The left's view is that the food industry and advertisers are big bullies that practically force-feed people with gimmicks and high-calorie treats. They say Ronald McDonald is the cousin of Joe Camel.

The right's argument has been dubbed: You're fat, your fault. They say people can make their own choices about food and exercise.

"I don't think people want to go back," said Tomas Philipson, a University of Chicago economist. "They'd rather be...

Want to see the full article?

Purchase this article for only $3.00

We're a pay-per-view site for premium content. If you'd like to purchase this article, it's only $3.00.

Welcome to NewsRx!

Learn more about a six-week, no-risk free trial of Obesity and Diabetes Week

Source: Obesity and Diabetes Week (2003-09-15)

NewsRx is Social

Top Medical Newsletters

Awards

Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2012
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2011
Best e-Business Site, 2010
Best e-Business Site, 2009
Best e-Business Site, 2008
Best e-Business Site, 2007
Best e-Business Site, 2006
Best Healthcare Content, 2005
Best Overall Internet Site, 2005
Best Interactive Site, 2005

Facts & Stats

NewsRx also is available at LexisNexis, Gale, ProQuest, Factiva, Dialog, Thomson Reuters, NewsEdge, and Dow Jones.

Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Health News and Media Publications
Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Science Publications in Biology/Physiology
Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top News and Media for the Business of Pharmaceuticals
Amazon's Alexa 2010 PageRank: #2 News and Media Site for the Pharmaceutical Industry