Snacks (page 29)

Yet another editorial argues against personal responsibility, unfairly pinning obesity on "the cynical forces of corporate advertising and marketing" who employ "pester power" to sell "junk and processed food." ("Healthy eating priorities point children towards benefits of balance," The Herald, 4/17/00.)

Taking advantage of all the press hoopla about a supposed "obesity epidemic" among humans, Purina Pet Products has declared that there is "an epidemic of canine obesity" too. As one might expect, Purina is cashing in with a bevy of products designed to help owners trim down their doggie.

Chef Rick Bayless, leader of the nanny activist group Chefs Collaborative 2000, joined the bandwagon of activists who are saying America's restaurant portions are too large. "In some cases, it's frightening. In more expensive restaurants, portions are usually smaller; in cheaper restaurants, they're enormously abundant," said Bayless.

Scotland's Glasgow University's head of nutrition Michael Lean, an eager candidate for a Nanny Awards 2000 nomination, suggests fighting obesity with an "economic requirement" to modify the food supply by removing high-fat foods. "Why are there still high-fat crisps on the market? Who would notice if you took them away? Let's think along the lines of phasing that type of product out." ("Phase out fatty food to tackle obesity - expert," The Dominion - Wellington, 4/3/00.)

The San Francisco Chronicle has requested comments on its website to discuss changes in the USDA's food pyramid, a proposed federal tax on high-calorie food, and the using of the upcoming Nutrition Summit to fight an "epidemic" of obesity. By all means, speak out against these "ill-advised attempts to control behavior," as the Chronicle calls the proposed government initiatives.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution jumps on the "Let's blame restaurants for obesity" bandwagon. An article in the Constitution says restaurant portions, restaurant marketing practices, and even the kinds of foods restaurants sell contribute to obesity in America.

Ambassador Duke of the "Doonesbury" comic strip recently announced he was running for president. In a Larry King Live "interview," Duke voiced his support for the nanny's favorite weapon, a "fat tax." "I think there's a huge social cost for obesity here… We tax smokers. Why not overeaters?," said Duke.

Once again, restaurant portions are under attack. Restaurant pasta, steak, and fish portions are just too big, says Dr. Barbara Rolls of Pennsylvania State University. People in her recent study tended to eat "more when they were given larger portions." Therefore, she concludes restaurant portions are contributing to obesity. The study does not address whether restaurant managers physically threatened patrons to ensure they ate the food that supposedly leads to their obesity. ("Health Tips," United Press International, 3/15/00.)

The Center for Science in the Public Interest’s Michael F. Jacobson has collaborated with fellow nanny Dr. Marion Nestle of New York University to spell out a battle plan to…

Seizing upon recent headlines declaring an obesity "epidemic," the Worldwatch Institute issued a plan on how to modify American eating patterns. The plan is, in their own words "modeled on the successful campaign to discourage smoking." The report joins Kelly Brownell of Yale University and others in calling for new taxes on fast foods, warning labels for "high fat" and "high sodium" packages foods and more regulation of food advertising."