A Debate on the Politics of America's Obesity Epidemic

Americans are gaining weight at an epidemic rate. The prevalence of obesity among adults increased 15-27 percent between 1980 and 1999. This can be traced, in part, to many marketing tactics used by fast-food and other restaurant chains including the increase in portion sizes and numerous technological advances which are designed to make our lives as easy and entertaining as possible -- without ever having to leave our favorite chair. Recently, fast food restaurants have faced lawsuits and interest groups have proposed taxing fattening foods.

However, some oppose such measures, arguing that they do not address the root of the problem. They argue the problem is one of returning to a healthy lifestyle, namely a person is not to eat more calories than s/he burns. Is there a policy solution to America's weight problem or is it simply a matter of personal choice?

Participants

• James K Glassman
  Fellow, American Enterprise Institute and Host, TechCentralStation


• Shannon Brownlee
  Schwartz Senior Fellow