Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Hooked On Food (Food is the Next 'Smoking Ban')
The Osgood File ^ | December 1, 2006 | Charles Osgood

Posted on 12/01/2006 2:52:42 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin

When you feel compelled repeatedly to chain smoke cigarettes or shoot up heroin because you just can't help yourself, that's called addiction. And some scientists are saying that for many overeaters.

"Food is like a drug," said Anne Kelly, neuroscientist.

Ann Kelly is a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin who has been looking into the brain processes of addiction. Not only to narcotics, but to certain kinds of food.

"I hesitate to say there is such a thing as food addiction but what we have to keep in mind is that food can affect the brain in a very similar way as do addictive drugs," said Kelly.

In her lab, she studies the brains of rats addicted to morphine and other rats whose favorite food is a high fat sugary lard.

"It's sort of like cookie dough." said Kelly.

And the brain scans of the morphine addicted rats when they think they're about to get a fix, LOOK very much like those of the rats conditioned to fatty sweets. when they're about to be FED. Aha, says lawyer John Banzhaf.

"This could be the smoking gun, we could say fat is the next tobacco. Alright how about the legal argument?" said John Banzhaf, law professor.

That's what has lawyers practically salivating. FOOD. could be their new Tobacco.

"If we can change the six major fast food companies so they are providing clear and conspicuous disclosure on their menus of fat and calories and they're providing appropriate health warnings, we will have a dramatic impact on the overall problem of obesity and it will happen immediately," said Banzhaf.

But some, including Dr. Elizabeth Whelan of the American Council for Science and Health, don't like where all this seems to be headed.

"When you say a food is addictive, what you're really saying is that the obese person is a victim and you know that's I think abandoning individual responsibility." said Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, American Council for Science and Health.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Government
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100101-106 next last
To: The Blitherer
That's kinda the impression I'm getting from your posts.

So it's not extreme to believe that carbohydrates are addicting, even though they aren't, and that chemicals make food unhealthy even though we're healthier and living longer than ever? If I asked you to explain why trans fats are so bad for us could you, or do you typically believe in things you don't understand and can't explain? I don't think it's extreme for me to expect you to back up your assertions.

If you believe that these things are truly addicting, unhealthy and harmful to consumers, why wouldn't you advocate for the government to do something about it? I would.

81 posted on 12/01/2006 5:34:28 PM PST by Mase (Save me from the people who would save me from myself!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 78 | View Replies]

To: IamConservative; Diana in Wisconsin
On bread, ever do a sourdough starter? Easy to find a recipe with Google. It is a fool proof way to make lovely bread that has some taste. Even I can do it. My wife assures me that makes me a fool. She may be on to something.

I have a feeling your wife and I have different reasons for considering you a fool........my reason is that you like sourdough bread. I consider my husband a fool for liking the stuff.

82 posted on 12/01/2006 5:45:48 PM PST by Gabz (If we weren't crazy, we'd just all go insane.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin
Brussels Sprouts. No one but me actually LIKES them, yet they are allowed to multiply willy-nilly!

If it makes you feel better my husband likes them, too. Of course, everytime he has them at a restaurant he has me try them too. I think he just likes the look on my face as I try to choke them down.

83 posted on 12/01/2006 6:16:54 PM PST by HungarianGypsy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 69 | View Replies]

To: kinoxi

Forget eating, I'm addicted to peeing and pooping. At least several times a day. They going to put a padlock on my toilet?

I suppose if I have no food they won't have to.


84 posted on 12/01/2006 8:36:32 PM PST by Secret Agent Man
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Secret Agent Man

I've just got wind of your peculiar blinking addiction as well...


85 posted on 12/01/2006 8:38:16 PM PST by kinoxi
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 84 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin; patton; Gabz
Think the Smoke Gnatzies around here will finally get a CLUE that this is all about CONTROL of the proletariat and has NOTHING to do with cigarettes or food?

Thanks for the pings.

THE ANTI-TOBACCO RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
1. Choose an industry.
2. Regulate the industry.
3. Tax the industry.
4. Sue the industry.
When one source of money dries up, return to Step 1 and repeat.
By S. Phillipe

86 posted on 12/01/2006 8:39:34 PM PST by SheLion (When you're right, take up the fight!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: swarthyguy

And everyone has to wear two pairs of underpants, just to be safe.


87 posted on 12/01/2006 8:40:24 PM PST by Silly (Still being... Silly)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: megatherium

"What the government can or should do to discourage smoking itself, I don't know, but a product when used as intended takes 14 years off of the life its average user, perhaps the government should try to discourage smoking. That to me is the only possible reason to ban smoking in public, not because the smoke actually hurts non-smokers (the evidence is that it does but the danger is slight), but simply to discourage smoking."


The government should protect us from our enemies; Not protect from ourselves. The 14 yrs are mine to do with as I please; you can spend your time hoping the government will save/discourage/manage or whatever else you'd like. I plan to enjoy mine time.


88 posted on 12/01/2006 8:51:10 PM PST by xowboy (My Parents were Right.......Love It or Leave It.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin

"Alright how about the legal argument?"

What an AMORAL a$$&*LE



89 posted on 12/01/2006 8:57:39 PM PST by xowboy (My Parents were Right.......Love It or Leave It.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: megatherium

perhaps the government should try to discourage smoking. That to me is the only possible reason to ban smoking in public, not because the smoke actually hurts non-smokers (the evidence is that it does but the danger is slight), but simply to discourage smoking.

________________________________________________________

I give you credit for at least knowing what this is all about. Social engineering. Lies. Propaganda.

This has no place in a free, open society. Cut the crap and ban tobacco if it's as harmful as Sarin Gas.

This not so subtle nonsense called Tobacco Control that is going on now is a pimple on the ass of freedom.


90 posted on 12/01/2006 9:04:33 PM PST by Eric Blair 2084 ("I love the smell of tobacco smoke in a bar, it reminds me of freedom.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: x_plus_one
I know whenever I see a commercial about food, I can hear it calling to me, it says...

I WANT TO BE IN YOUR BELLY !!!!

91 posted on 12/01/2006 9:41:36 PM PST by ColdSteelTalon
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 75 | View Replies]

To: Lazamataz
Next up: Oxygen addiction.

DANG!!....just as I was giving up water....

92 posted on 12/01/2006 9:49:31 PM PST by paulat (about)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin
"If we can change the six major fast food companies so they are providing clear and conspicuous disclosure on their menus of fat and calories and they're providing appropriate health warnings, we will have a dramatic impact on the overall problem of obesity and it will happen immediately," said Banzhaf

How about trying to educate people about fat rather than regulate the fast food outlets which no doubt will cost much more to the consumer.

Also what happened to commonsense. When I was a child you might have something like this as a treat every couple of months but nowadays it seems children eat this sort of thing every other day developing no doubt a taste for this food which goes into adulthood.

93 posted on 12/01/2006 9:53:25 PM PST by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin

Yeah and ban hunting of Bambie, of which where I get my meat for the year. You wait its going to happen we hunters will only be able to use sling shots, and they will be registered.


94 posted on 12/01/2006 10:01:31 PM PST by lndrvr1972
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: demsux

You will be a felon in 10 years for what you are doing now. No kidding.


95 posted on 12/01/2006 10:02:11 PM PST by lndrvr1972
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: The Blitherer
IMHO moderation in all things. Yes we know trans-fat is bad for you but we do not have to eat it all the time. I am sure a little here and there will not harm the average person that much.

In my opinion you cannot beat pastry made with Cookeen which is the British equivalent of Crisco but again I do not eat pastry everyday. As a side note apparently Cookeen are removing the transfat later this year.
96 posted on 12/01/2006 10:14:15 PM PST by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin

I love Brussel sprouts


97 posted on 12/01/2006 10:29:34 PM PST by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 69 | View Replies]

To: Gabz

Thanks for the ping!


98 posted on 12/01/2006 10:50:38 PM PST by Alamo-Girl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: SheLion

That totally sums it up, doesn't it?


99 posted on 12/02/2006 8:11:41 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (Save The Earth. It's The Only Planet With Chocolate.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 86 | View Replies]

To: lndrvr1972

"Yeah and ban hunting of Bambie, of which where I get my meat for the year."

Got my doe in the freezer as I type! :) (This years was a gift from a friend who had extra; I didn't get my own this time around.)

Actually, I'm surprised there isn't more of a ruckus over hunting bans. If it weren't a revenue-generating commodity for the state, it would be banned as well. It's just like tobacco and alcohol in that way.

Of course, eventually all wild game could be farm raised, butchered, packaged and sold for an exorbitant price. Then every few years we'd have the "Oh, No! We're running out of venison, or seafood, or squab or tuna fish" or whatever so they can jack up the prices and get those manufacturers hooked on the teat of government subsidies, just as they've done with Big Ag and Dairy operations. *Rolleyes*

It's really scarey when you think this stuff through to it's logical end. It truly is US against THEM, and I'm not talking terrorists, I'm talking our blood-sucking government!


100 posted on 12/02/2006 8:20:30 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin (Save The Earth. It's The Only Planet With Chocolate.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 94 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 41-6061-8081-100101-106 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson