What can the government do to reduce obesity?

[ManaMan]

Everybody talks about reducing obesity but few people present any actual ideas on how to reduce it. Here are some that I've been kicking around. I know they'll be unpopular but it's become obvious that people can't control themselves when it comes to eating responsibly and government intervention is needed. These ideas are by no means complete but I'm not writing legislation here, just throwing out some ideas...

1. Have the government set standard sizes (S/M/L) for fries, drinks, etc in restaurants based on what they were 20/30 years ago. Portion sizes have been steadily increasing over the years and are a large factor in increasing weight.

2. No more "all-you-can-eat" buffets. Only pay-per-plate or "timed" buffets should be allowed. Ever been to one of these places? Yikes...

3. An additional tax on high-sugar drinks. Sodas and energy drinks and the like are full of empty calories that lead to obesity. This was proposed with the health-care overhaul but was shot down by industry lobbyists.

4. More generally, end government policies that encourage driving and cultivate public policies that encourage more walking/biking. This is as simple as building more sidewalks and bike trails. Also, this includes more and better public transport. We should also look into larger things like creating "green belts" of preserved land around cities to discourage sprawl (which is mostly car-centric) and re-direct development back to neglected urban areas which, by and large, are more "walkable" than suburbs. Why do you think Europeans are thinner than Americans? Living a less car-dependent lifestyle plays a big part.

[Louis]

... government intervention is needed.

So you mean to tell me you want the government to tell you what you can eat and in what portions?

... more and better public transport.

I agree with this. Not for the reasons you are looking for, but because of efficiency and less reliance of foreign sources of fossil fuels. After a visit to Chicago back in May, I found public transportation to be pretty damn awesome. I drive around 60 miles on an average day. I bought my VW Jetta new 3.5 years ago and have managed to put over 80,000 miles on it.

Why do you think Europeans are thinner than Americans?

Because the poorest of Americans eat much worse than the average American and probably worse than the rest of the world. Eastern Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, etc are all poor in relation to the rest of the US. There have been studies done (I don't feel like looking them up, but you can Google them) that show poor people eat a much more fat and calorie dense foods. Its usually because its cheaper and also because they may not be able to afford to eat as many meals as other people. This food usually sits on your stomach and helps you feel full longer.

edit:
And I"m not blaming US obesity on poor people. My point is that people with little means eat a different diet than someone of great means. And if you look at the obesity reports by state, you will see what I mean. I'm guilty of eating much worse when I have little money to spend. $1 McDoubles from McDonald's FTW!

And to make more of the connection to Europeans, their traditional diet is also much different than what Americans eat.

[Flip]

I heard recently that the gov may start to restrict sodium content in foods and im ok with that. After reading it, i haven been noticing that a lot of out food is just PACKED with salt to an unhealthy level.

I think i can control myself over portions, but it would be much easier if i was served less. The last month or so at work ive been walking to the grocery store during lunch to get some pieces of fruit and maybe some crackers to eat as opposed to constantly having Qdoba, McD, or Subway. I think it is working and i like eating healthy, but it is always inconvenient. That is the biggest factor, if you ask me, it is far far easier to order chinese then to try and find something healthy or proportionally correct to eat. Our health food in this country is buried under a ton of crap and unless you seek it out, you wont find it.

So, if the gov did step in to force things to be more healthy then it wouldnt be very hard to eat healthier and people would do it. If there was nothing but salad bars around my work and the McD was half a mile away, as opposed to the grocery store, that would be awesome. But as we all know, corps are driven by the almighty buck and people eat whats there and tastes good. I like the taste of salads more than a greasy burger, but its a pain in the ass to get one... and usually more expensive, which also sucks.

[Julius Seeker]

First of all Manaman, I think this is a great topic of discussion. I think a lot of people don't realize how unhealthy their lifestyles are. Obesity can be a major strain on both healthcare and productivity in society.

I don't think it is poverty that causes obesity in the US. American restaurant chains like Mcdonalds, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken are quite a bit more expensive than healthy food at the grocery store. They're also significantly more fattening, the amount of fat and carbs in a single combo is often past the maximum amount that one should have in an entire day; and without any nutrients, and plenty of unhealthy additives and cooking methods (the grease on burgers is terrible going into your system).

Although, I do feel that the largest culprit for obesity is abuse of private transportation. Probably considerably more so than abuse of fatty foods. Increased emphasis on public transport is a wise idea, because it doesn't take away the option of walking home after work if the day is nice.

Back to food: Why spend five to ten bucks (or even up to 30 at places like Kentucky Fried Chicken) on a combo? a pint of blueberries costs $1.50-2 bucks. Add some yogurt and some other fruit, and you've got a very healthy meal; not just the fact that it is easy on your system - but it has enzymes great for the digestive system; but also strong elements proven to reduce the risk of both cancer and heart disease - blueberries are one of those superfoods. Five dollars will buy you a bag of granny smith apples, or several pounds of grapes. Carrots and broccoli are dirt cheap as well. Peaches and plums are in season from Ontario right now; honestly, I am not just saying this because I am from the area, but the best plums and peaches you'll ever have.

[Anarky]

I think one of the largest culprits is a lack of free time for some individuals (family, commitments, work).

I for one make time to workout during my lunch break. I lift weights at least 4 times a week and play dodgeball for 1 hour, 2 nights of the week.

I think companies that offer discounts on gym memberships, or have facilities on their premise should receive tax incentives from the government. It's been shown that employees who exercise are less likely to miss work, be sick, and are generally happier.

I'm definitely in favor of the government monitoring sodium levels, they're RIDICULOUS in some products.

People also live very sedentary lifestyle and walk under 5000 steps a day. If more people walked at least 10,000 steps a day they'd be healthier.

[SineSwiper]

The recent changes to nutritional facts may be a big step. Starting in March 2011, restaurants with more than 20 chains will be required to put their calorie counts of their items on the menus, and required to have their nutritional facts available to look at.

The whole calorie thing will really give people pause with what they eat. People have a relative idea of how many calories they should be eating, thanks to the standard 2000 calorie RDI you see on labels. Restaurants will then be forced to think about making their items healthier, or risk people seeing the calorie counts and going "Oh my god... this thing is 1200 calories?! Maybe I'll choose something else."

Even people who don't diet will still stop and consider what they are eating when they know the calorie count up front. After all, we already have prices on all menus, which people use to consider their choice.

So you mean to tell me you want the government to tell you what you can eat and in what portions?

No, but when the free market fails us, the government should slowly intervene. It's not in the food industry's best interests to display how fattening their foods are. They would lose money if people knew what was in their items. Some of the information is there, but it requires some digging, and it's not a requirement for people to even show what is in their food.

It's the government's responsibility to nudge the industry in the right direction with small changes in the law. After all, corporate interests are ALWAYS after the bottom line. The government at least has a different set of priorities.

[Flip]

Starting in March 2011, restaurants with more than 20 chains will be required to put their calorie counts of their items on the menus, and required to have their nutritional facts available to look at.

I work right outside the district in Maryland and ive started to see this already. I went to McD for a shake one afternoon and changed my option to a 150 calorie cone because the shake was 450! Also at subway i ordered a turkey since it was so much lower than, say, a roast beef. A sub is a sub and fills me up the same, so it was def nice to see the calories. What a difference.

[SineSwiper]

Actually, I haven't seen any effort over here. It's the same restaurants, but it's like they are waiting until the last minute before they start to implement this.

[Lox]

I like the idea of the government telling restaurants and companies that they have to be open and honest with their nutritional info. That puts the control of maintaining a healthy lifestyle more into the hands of the consumer. I am not a fan of the government dictating what I can and cannot eat because some people can't manage their weight. I try to eat healthy and I've been including more fruits and veggies in my lunch instead of things like chips. I just went cold-turkey and gave up soda for good (haven't had any since June) and that's caused me to drink a lot more water.

It is really convenience thing. It can be cheaper cost-wise to eat healthy in some cases, like Seek mentioned, but it isn't always cheaper time-wise and I think that's where most people trip up. They're running late for work so they grab a meal from McDonald's or they need to get the kids somewhere for an activity so they just grab some KFC. It's just easier. If we want people to eat healthier, better alternatives need to be made as quick and simple and then let them make the choice.

[SineSwiper]

Actually, KFC, Q'doba, and BWW ends up being the healthier choices for us when we need a quick meal. Of course, that usually means we go there like 3-4 times a week.

[Lox]

BWW = Buffalo Wild Wings?

KFC can be healthier...until you order a double stack or whatever that thing is called.

[SineSwiper]

Yeah, you can get some grilled chicken strips with buffalo sauce and it's actually pretty healthy.

[ManaMan]

So you mean to tell me you want the government to tell you what you can eat and in what portions?

I'd say that the portion size issue from my original post just represents government serving its proper role defining weights and measures.

No, but when the free market fails us, the government should slowly intervene.

Exactly.

It's the government's responsibility to nudge the industry in the right direction with small changes in the law.

I'm assuming from the rest of your post that you read the book Nudge. If not, you should. Great book.

Several of you mentioned the federal government restricting sodium levels in foods. I think this is a great step but not necessarily related to obesity.

There's also the labeling of caloric content on restaurant menus. I think this is another great step. This was part of the health care overhaul bill I believe. This goes along with the whole "government nudging people in the right direction" thing.

[Don]

I was told in China they air informationals on TV about how fast food is bad for you when McDonalds didn't pay enough money to the government.