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Obesity Discussion · 03-20-06, 02:37 AM

Food companies a target for blame in nation's obesity problem

UNDATED When it comes to the girth of a nation, it's tempting to blame big food companies for America's big obesity problem.

After all, they're the folks who Supersized our fries and Big Gulped our sodas. There's also the (b) billions they've spent keeping their products ever on our minds and in our mouths.

Likened by some to the way tobacco companies seduced smokers, such practices have made the food industry the target of lawsuits and legislation.

But some experts say neither the problem nor the solution is nearly so simple.

James Tillotson, a business and food policy professor at Tufts University, says: "We want to blame somebody, but the thing is, we're all a part of it."

Tillotson, himself a former food industry executive, says government has propped up agribusiness, the medical community was slow to take on obesity and good nutrition, and consumers seem determined to move less and eat more.

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03-20-06, 02:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Obesity Discussion Administrator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,874 Weight Statistics 8/1/2006 Start Date: 185 lb Start Weight: 152 lb Current Weight: 155 lb Goal Weight: -33 lb Weight Loss: 5/1/2007 Goal Date:	Food companies a target for blame in nation's obesity problem Food companies a target for blame in nation's obesity problem UNDATED When it comes to the girth of a nation, it's tempting to blame big food companies for America's big obesity problem. After all, they're the folks who Supersized our fries and Big Gulped our sodas. There's also the (b) billions they've spent keeping their products ever on our minds and in our mouths. Likened by some to the way tobacco companies seduced smokers, such practices have made the food industry the target of lawsuits and legislation. But some experts say neither the problem nor the solution is nearly so simple. James Tillotson, a business and food policy professor at Tufts University, says: "We want to blame somebody, but the thing is, we're all a part of it." Tillotson, himself a former food industry executive, says government has propped up agribusiness, the medical community was slow to take on obesity and good nutrition, and consumers seem determined to move less and eat more. Article __________________