Progress on Obesity
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While the British may not be implementing a “fat tax” after all, it seems like a good idea to me. Closer to home, McDonald’s has announced plans to end their “SuperSize” option. This is definitely a step in the right direction, although I can’t help but think that it discourages personal responsibility and in some way perpetuates the notion that one’s obesity is not one’s own damn fault. My real concern at this point is who’s gonna pay for the health care when all the fools on Atkins start having massive kidney failure. The current advertising environment on television (like “Atkins-friendly” stuff from every major restaurant chain) de facto assumes that a low carb diet is the way to go. Even local media outlets are pushing this approach with no hint of the dangers. Out of the frying pan, into the deep fryer.
Jeff on 8 March 2004 at 1:09 pm | Permalink
I concur. I guess that we should buy stock in the various areas of medical research that will have to develop new medication and equipment to deal with the health problems that will be attributed to the lack of the use will power and simple common sense. In addition to Atkins issues, I think that we should buy stock in the makers of orthopedic shoes and ergonomic equipment. Look at all the college and grade school kids that insist on wearing footwear without proper support and slouch/lean while driving.
phil on 8 March 2004 at 4:31 pm | Permalink
The fact of the matter is that as the Baby Boomers age and Medicare falls apart, medical research will be a big growth area.
Jeff on 9 March 2004 at 8:14 am | Permalink
So, what your saying is that your desire to go back to school is part of your plan to achieve financial success, and not a desire to pursue the answers found through pure science that will better the lives of everyone.
phil on 10 March 2004 at 10:08 am | Permalink
Um… Yeah, exactly. I’m in it for the money. If I cure cancer along the way, great. But I’m not going to go insane and try cloning people or creating four-assed monkeys or anything like that. I do actually have ethics, probably more strict than many in my field.
jordy on 14 June 2004 at 10:45 pm | Permalink
frankly i dont give a damn how it happens, im glad whenever mcdonalds is forced to revise ANYTHING they do. i hate the company. personally i think they have a lot of policies that require revising. so this measure i consider responsible and appropriate. although, having said that, i do see what phil’s saying bout taking responsibility for one’s own health away. at least this encourages healthier behaviour patterns anyway. at least if they really want to fatten themselves up they have to spend more. maybe they’ll think more about it?