More on obesity:
Obesity challenges back in the news
The Virginia House of Representatives passed a bill banning lawsuits against restaurants, food manufacturers or retailers for "contributing to a plaintiff's obesity." It will now move to the state senate. This is important for other states as these types of issues and efforts have a way of influencing decisions in other places.
Meanwhile, a New York appeals court has resurrected a lawsuit filed against McDonald's Corp. that alleges the fast-food chain makes people fat. The three judges overturned a U.S. District Judge's ruling that had dismissed the suit in September 2003. This will now allow the children and the lawyers who filed the original case in 2002 to collect evidence, including company documents, and pursue the case. The decision opens the door to more obesity lawsuits, says John Banzaff III, the George Washington University Law School professor, who's helped to bring forth such cases.
Comment: This new decision will likely scare McDonald's and every other fast-food company. In related news, a Texas state legislator has proposed adding a "fitness report" to the progress reports schools send home to parents. The reports would inform parents if their child is overweight and at risk for health problems. It is estimated that one-third of Texas schoolchildren are overweight. Critics of the proposal say such a report will cause emotional damage to children singled out as overweight by their teachers. — G.H.
And still more:
Ronald McDonald addresses obesity
As they say, timing is everything. Last week, McDonald's Corp. officials announced that the company's mascot — Ronald McDonald — will be the company's new "ambassador for an active, balanced lifestyle" and reach out to elementary schools to advocate for fitness. It's a campaign to address the childhood obesity issue.
McDonald's is working to improve its image and will continue to add healthful alternatives to its menu. "Ronald does not promote food, but fun and activity — the McDonald's experience," says Walk Riker, company spokesman. The American Academy of Pediatrics has reviewed and approved the program.
Comment: I'm sure we'll all feel better knowing the obesity crisis has forced Ronald to promote fun and activity. But will our children be healthier? I doubt it. Not until we turn off the TV, throw out the Gameboys and kick the kids out in the backyard with a basketball or a makeshift swingset made from an old tire hung from a tree. — G.H.
Obesity challenges back in the news
The Virginia House of Representatives passed a bill banning lawsuits against restaurants, food manufacturers or retailers for "contributing to a plaintiff's obesity." It will now move to the state senate. This is important for other states as these types of issues and efforts have a way of influencing decisions in other places.
Meanwhile, a New York appeals court has resurrected a lawsuit filed against McDonald's Corp. that alleges the fast-food chain makes people fat. The three judges overturned a U.S. District Judge's ruling that had dismissed the suit in September 2003. This will now allow the children and the lawyers who filed the original case in 2002 to collect evidence, including company documents, and pursue the case. The decision opens the door to more obesity lawsuits, says John Banzaff III, the George Washington University Law School professor, who's helped to bring forth such cases.
Comment: This new decision will likely scare McDonald's and every other fast-food company. In related news, a Texas state legislator has proposed adding a "fitness report" to the progress reports schools send home to parents. The reports would inform parents if their child is overweight and at risk for health problems. It is estimated that one-third of Texas schoolchildren are overweight. Critics of the proposal say such a report will cause emotional damage to children singled out as overweight by their teachers. — G.H.
And still more:
Ronald McDonald addresses obesity
As they say, timing is everything. Last week, McDonald's Corp. officials announced that the company's mascot — Ronald McDonald — will be the company's new "ambassador for an active, balanced lifestyle" and reach out to elementary schools to advocate for fitness. It's a campaign to address the childhood obesity issue.
McDonald's is working to improve its image and will continue to add healthful alternatives to its menu. "Ronald does not promote food, but fun and activity — the McDonald's experience," says Walk Riker, company spokesman. The American Academy of Pediatrics has reviewed and approved the program.
Comment: I'm sure we'll all feel better knowing the obesity crisis has forced Ronald to promote fun and activity. But will our children be healthier? I doubt it. Not until we turn off the TV, throw out the Gameboys and kick the kids out in the backyard with a basketball or a makeshift swingset made from an old tire hung from a tree. — G.H.
