Will Americans become fatter? Definately because its good for medicine!

VizslaMom · Nov 19, 2004

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/pressRelease_detail.cfm/release/73
Posted On November 11, 2004
More Big Fat Lies
Obesity Statistics Are As Bogus As Weight-Loss Scams
Washington, DC - The weight-loss industry is finding itself in the crosshairs of the Federal Trade Commission's "Operation Big Fat Lies"--a crackdown on slimming down pills, powders and patches that are too good to be true. The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) recommends that grossly exaggerated statistics and hype from pharmaceutical and weight-loss companies about the nation's so-called "obesity epidemic" also be placed under the federal microscope.
"An Epidemic of Obesity Myths," a recently released CCF report, highlights the pharmaceutical industry's influence in the obesity debate. The report challenges popular obesity statistics by citing a wide array of health, exercise, and nutrition experts at leading universities, as well as the former editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine. It further exposes the pharmaceutical industry's influence on these statistics -- drug makers stand to reap great profits if its obesity hype leads Medicare and private insurance to cover their weight loss medications.
Obesity causes 400,000 deaths each year This statistic originated from research by David Allison, who has received funding from at least 20 companies involved in weight loss products. Among many other flaws, Allison's study used data from as far back as 1948 and failed to account for any of the improvements in medical treatments over the last 50 years.
65% of American adults are overweight or obese Xavier Pi-Sunyer, who has also received significant funding from the makers of anti-obesity drugs and is currently promoting anti-obesity drug Acomplia made by Sanofi, chaired a key National Institutes of Health obesity panel, which in 1998 instantly cast 30 million Americans into the "overweight" category by changing the government's definition. That group includes presently "overweight" stars like Will Smith, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, and even President Bush.
Obesity costs the United States $117 billion each year Graham Colditz, co-author of a 1998 study that is the single source for this figure, has received funding from Roche Laboratories, maker of the anti-obesity drug Xenical. His study acknowledged "double-counting of costs" which "would inflate the cost estimate."
"While the federal government is scrutinizing weight-loss scams, it should take a close look at the 'Biggest Fat Lie' of all--the so-called 'obesity epidemic,'" said Center for Consumer Freedom senior analyst Dan Mindus. "The Feds should remember that industries seeking a windfall from this 'epidemic' have spent a fortune to hype the obesity problem."
The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition supported by restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices

Interesting perspective.

However, even if these studies are not credible, that doesn't change the FACT that our patients are indeed getting bigger...not to mention unhealthier. It's a problem that is rather difficult to ignore when bathing a 400-500+ lb. patient on a ventilator, feeding tube, Size-Wize rotation bed, round the clock blood glucose checks, etc, etc...

I agree that this is a problem within many civillized countries and not just the United States.

There are McDonald's in the UK, are there not?

Brotherbob, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2004

There are McDonald's in the UK, are there not?

Absolutely, Mcdonalds are everywhere, even Russia. here in Sweden they do not serve the biggest menues. American standard size equals to our biggest size.

VizslaMom · Nov 19, 2004

Absolutely, Mcdonalds are everywhere, even Russia. here in Sweden they do not serve the biggest menues. American standard size equals to our biggest size.

Interesting.

I didn't realize that there were different portions served in other countries.

rngreenhorn · Nov 19, 2004

Ode to the American Diet:

"Hi. Welcome to McFastFodder. May I help you?"

"Yeah. I'd like an Extra-Crispy-McWhopper-Belle-Grande-Jack. I'd like a side order of McHeart disease and a diabetes shake."

"Would you like a McTriple-bipass with that today?"

"OK. Give me two please."

"Thanks. Your total will be your youthful figure and your health. Please woddle around to the second window."

rngreenhorn · Nov 19, 2004

PS...

It is not the government's place to dictate what we eat or what we watch on TV. Some people think more governmental bureaucracy is the answer for all of our problems, I don't. And yes... it is a good thing that we have some private insurance. I don't want to pay even more taxes to subsidize other people's bad eating habits. I pay enough tax already.

kirbybunny · Nov 19, 2004

It is easy to fall into unproductive USA bashing, because that is what we are fed from our media.
I do not support Bush and do not know what to think of the direction US democracy is taking, but we should not offend each other. Many of the problems we are facing and will face ahead are global and we need to work together.
Like 3rdshiftguy said, obesity is a problem everywhere in the western world. We can work harder on information and education, it will take some time.
Is it true that McD in USA doesn´t sell supersized meals any more after the movie "Supersize me"?

Yes, it is true that McDonalds does not Super Size anymore. I just saw the movie "Super Size Me" and loved it. Great movie, I think everyone should see it. The damage he did to his body was terrible. I personally cannot stand McDonalds. The last time I went into one was over a year ago, when they had the new Newman's salads. While standing in line, I saw on the menu they had a "Bucket of Fries" available (no joke!), a 50 pc McNuggets, and a "Big Kids" Happy Meal with a double cheeseburger. It made me ill. :angryfire I couldn't eat my salad, which was good because they are usually more fattening than the burgers! The yogurt and fruit cups they have are equal to an sundae!!! Check out that movie!

~ Jen