Who's making America so fat?

Detroit News ^ | 9/22/02 | Lynn Waldsmith

[Jean S]

It's the kind of food for thought that Jay Leno's writers salivate over. In the first case of its kind in the United States, 56-year-old Caesar Barber is suing McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and Wendy's. He blames the four fast food giants for making him obese and causing his obesity-related problems, which include two heart attacks, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

[dwollmann]

A pox on the do-gooders. That's all I have to say about that.

[IronJack]

Who's making America so fat?

Americans.

[lafroste]

The answer is really pretty simple. Diets high in grains and corn products, without enough meat and animal fat. We are carnivores. Deal with it. (from one who lost 80 lbs in six months after throwing out the "proper" diet guides and gorging on steak, sausage, bacon, cheese, etc while avoiding all "healthy" foods).

[Northpaw]

Perhaps we could save on food stamps and help stamp out obesity, if all the fat welfare recipients were given government paid gastric-bypass surgeries.

[sinkspur]

Diets high in grains and corn products, without enough meat and animal fat.

Exactly. If you eat like a pig, you're gonna look like a pig.

I lost 15 on Atkins and got down to my desired weight in six weeks. And the carb cravings are GONE!

[BulletBrasDotNet]

It's the Republicans! It's a vast right-wing conspiracy to make Americans FAT

The skinny Repubs are making the Democrats into DemoFATS! The Hildabeast told me so last week!

[Dante3]

We have choices. I've never heard McDonald's claim that the serve diet foods.

But this is just another get-rich-quick and get on national TV rip-off. Anyone who brings these kinds of lawsuits will should be charged with extortion.

[jellybean]

"We apparently have a sudden epidemic of obesity in the last 15-20 years," says Banzhaf. "So it's not something genetic. There's no reason to believe that we suddenly have lost all our personal responsibility, that parents are suddenly far less responsible than the parents of 15 or 20 years ago. It has to be something that happened relatively recently, and fast food is it."

Another viewpoint.

[McGavin999]

Actually, there is a real opportunity for some smart entreprenure to open up Low Fat Fast Food chains. A place where you can go and pick up lean chicken breast and baked potatoe with some kind of topping that tastes decent, salads with low fat dressing, smaller portions etc.

It could end up being worth a small fortune if it's done properly. People going back to work with their lunches in bags that announce to the world that "they care" about themselves.

Most people buy fast foods because......they're fast. If they could buy something healthier, they would. There's just nothing out there. McD's and Wendy's offer some, but even if you have good intentions when you go through the drive thru, it's hard to resist that georgeous burger and great smelling fries. If you could go to a place that offered only healthy foods, it would be easier.

[T-Bird45]

I totally agree as I have lost 25 lbs. in the last month using a similar diet (Atkins). I suggest that anyone interested in the REAL answer to the thread title question use a search engine to find "hyperinsulinism". The Atkins website will be one of several places where you will find the answer.

Bottom line, carbohydrates stimulate overproduction of insulin that causes conversion of the carb to sugar (glucose) for use by the body. If the body does not need it immediately, it goes to fat. The body cannot make this same conversion with animal or plant fats and proteins.

[The Electrician]

"People said tobacco lawsuits were so frivolous we'd never get the cases to a jury. Well, at this point we're winning multimillion-dollar verdicts including punitive damages," says John Banzhaf, the George Washington University Law School professor who led the effort to sue McDonald's for failing to disclose it precooked fries in beef fat while advertising that the fries were cooked in 100 percent pure vegetable oil.

That sentence is key to understanding the source of much of the evil in the world. The Commies don't simply give up and go away when they're defeated. They keep coming back and coming back and coming back. Eternal vigilance means just that - defending liberty against parasites like this guy is a full-time job.

[Brytani]

As more research is done, it seems the food pyramid does not work for a good percentage of the population. For me to keep a stable weight, I have to keep carb content under 50gm/day. If I want to lose weight, I drop them down, if I need to gain a few lbs I increase carbs.

From really looking at how my body reacts to food, I've found that carbs from flour, wheat, starch and rice tends to pack on pounds, while carbs from natural sugars in fruits do not. My diet is mainly high protein from meats, fish, poultry, veggies of every sort and fruits. By doing this, for really the first time in my life I am at a normal, healthy weight. I have unlimited amounts of energy and virtually no cravings.

If more people paid attention to what their body needed, how their body reacts to different foods they would be much healthier.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Who's making America so fat?

These guys?

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

Most people buy fast foods because......they're fast.

NO way ever sat in the drive through of your favorite establishment at lunchtime? its anything but fast i think people like fast food especially in these times is because it tastes good [With the exception of mcdonalds YUCK ]of course this is just an observation because i dont eat at restaurants i pack a good lunch for myself its cheaper and tastes even better than what some high school kid picking his nose can throw together

[FITZ]

They had Burger Kings and McDonalds before 1991 when everyone was skinnier.

[FITZ]

Maybe it's not food at all but Nintendo games and cable television.

[John Lenin]

How come no one has put this together yet ? Another unintended consequence from liberals who wanted to tax the hell out of cigarettes, everybody knows that when you quit smoking you put on weight.

[gilor]

They had Burger Kings and McDonalds before 1991 when everyone was skinnier.

Yep, and back then the stuff they sold (even though I eat it sometimes, can't really call it food) had much Higher fat content.

[JediGirl]

"People get the fillet of fish, for example, not knowing that it has 26 grams of fat in it," she points out. "Even well-educated people think they're making healthier choices when they're not." (The daily government-recommended amount of fat, based on a 2,000-calorie diet, is 65 grams.)

That's absolute schlock. I have religiously studied nutrition information for almost every major fast food chain in the country. I either got the information from a chart at the restaurant, their site online, or a book. People know that a grilled chicken sandwich is healthy at about 300 calories and 6 grams of fat. However, a grilled chicken sandwich with mayo adds (if i can remember correctly) about 11 grams of fat to make it 17 grams at least. It says so on the charts in the restaurant. There is saturated fat, calories, fat, and sodium very clearly listed in McDonalds and Burger King.

[JediGirl]

We have choices. I've never heard McDonald's claim that the serve diet foods.

You can actually get a chicken salad shaker at mcdonalds for 100 calories and 2.5 grams of fat topped with fat free viniagrette dressing for about another 35 calories.

[tortoise]

Bottom line, carbohydrates stimulate overproduction of insulin that causes conversion of the carb to sugar (glucose) for use by the body.

It is worth pointing out that once you reach the age of around 50-60, secondary effects of insulin damage become a leading cause of death. A large percentage of cardiovascular disease in older folks is linked to insulin damage, particularly things like strokes. People who load up on carbs when they are young will suffer severe CV problems and other organ degenerative diseases starting when they get into their 40s or 50s.

Since insulin damage is cumulative over the life of a person, I expect in a decade or two we will have a bubble of people who, due to years of buying into the low-fat high-carb diet, will start showing the symptoms of unusually high levels of insulin damage.

[FITZ]

Yes that too ---the previous weight charts had people too thin, the fatter people were actually healthier than those considered at ideal weights according to some charts. Hispanics are generally fatter but they live longer anyhow so maybe they have the right weight.

Also people used to choose to eat at home more often I think before. We still had those food pyramid ideas that there were certain ratios of food types we should eat.

[McGavin999]

Usual lines here are less then 5 minutes. Everyone I know says "I'm exhausted, think I'll swing through XXXX and pick up hamburgers on the way home."

I take my lunch too, but I just started that recently. I used to run to the closest fast food joint just because it was faster then going to a sit down place. And cheaper.

We've all gotten away from taking and fixing our own foods. Now I spend most of Sunday fixing enough food for the week ahead, it's actually easier then it was before and you're right, the food is better.

[BulletBrasDotNet]

Why anyone would eat this crap is beyond me. I'll take a roast beef sandwich on buttered rye bread with lettuce, tomatoe, salt and pepper, prepared in my own kitchen anytime over the McSh!t.

[nofriendofbills]

"We are in the position to decide what we want to do in our lives and what we don't want to do," Mark says.

What's this guy spouting? Personal responsibility?...Sure it's an interesting concept but I really can't see it catching on.

Though one can hope.

[Zon]

"I never underestimate the ability of judges to come up with curious rulings," says Gifford of the Michigan Restaurant Association. "But clearly, if you sat around and listened to the average citizen talk about this (Barber) lawsuit, they realize it for being the frivolous shot at big money that it is and we're hopeful that judges and juries will treat it accordingly."

Here, I'll help.

Hamburgers, french-fries and soft drinks; don't they sell those in grocery stores as well as in restaurants? There are many companies that manufacture those products. Just as there are many companies that manufactured tobacco products. Lawyers attacked the tobacco manufacturers, not the retail sellers of tobacco products. Why suddenly have the fat-police going after the retail sellers/prepare rather than the manufactures? Because even the lawyers know they would be trounced by the food manufacturers. Archer Daniels Midland alone could crush all the lawyers.

Bottom line, carbohydrates stimulate overproduction of insulin that causes conversion of the carb to sugar (glucose) for use by the body. If the body does not need it immediately, it goes to fat. The body cannot make this same conversion with animal or plant fats and proteins.

Agree. The lawyers would never attack the government -- the hand that feeds them -- for advocating a bogus food pyramid.

[BulletBrasDotNet]

Exactly. If you eat like a pig, you're gonna look like a pig.

Sounds pretty logical to me. What's the problem? I don't eat like a pig because I don't want to look like a pig. DUH!

[Donald Stone]

TV

[T-Bird45]

After just a month on this high-protein, low-carb regimen, I can absolutely attest to the health improvement. My total cholesterol dropped like a stone to 140 and my doctor took me off Lipitor. I am now working on the exercise side so I can get off the blood pressure meds, too.

The age thing you mention is part of my concern. I am 47 and watching my father-in-law suffer through the follow-on diseases associated with diabetes. I will not put my children through that. Even more importantly, my energy is up and the fog of depression is gone. I just can't say enough good about this diet.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

We've all gotten away from taking and fixing our own foods. Now I spend most of Sunday fixing enough food for the week ahead, it's actually easier then it was before and you're right, the food is better

You sound like me on sunday it's spent resting and preping for the next weeks work plenty of leftovers after supper during the week makes for great lunches at work and the ocasional bologna sandwich never hurt anyone ! as for the family stuff we order a pizza once a month [maybe] my wife and i enjoy cooking and dont see it as a burden but i do realize some people just dont take the time to enjoy it .

[Great Dane]

claims he was unaware of the fast food's high-fat, high-calorie content.

Gaining a lot of weight, should have given him a clue.

[nothingnew]

I take my lunch too, but I just started that recently. I used to run to the closest fast food joint just because it was faster then going to a sit down place. And cheaper.

We've all gotten away from taking and fixing our own foods. Now I spend most of Sunday fixing enough food for the week ahead, it's actually easier then it was before and you're right, the food is better.

YOU GOT IT!...The wife and I prepare our working-week food on Sunday, and it is superior to anything you could get at a "fat food" joint.

It's become a joint and fun effort to eat right.

We used to dine out a lot years ago, but now would rather buy a few "special" dinners and cook at home, perhaps with a little company.

Besides, most restaraunts that are anyway near affordable...suck....(and you can't smoke!)

FMCDH

[Conservative til I die]

I take my lunch too, but I just started that recently. I used to run to the closest fast food joint just because it was faster then going to a sit down place. And cheaper.

Bull. Do what I do and brown bag your lunch everyday. $5 for a lb. of turkey, the good deli cut kind, $3 for a package of swiss cheese, a bottle of mustard you've alreday got on hand, $2 for a loaf of wheat bread and $4 for a six-pack of coke = $14 a week, or $2.80 per day for quick, healthy food.

[Conservative til I die]

Sorry. My "Bull" comment was meant in general, for anyone thinking fast food is cheaper or quicker.

Since I now commute by car to work instead of train and subway, I've taken to eating breakfast at home and find I'm still saving money and eating healthier. Eating a couple pieces of toast with butter, one cup of coffee is better than my old two buttered rolls or onion bagel with cream cheese and large coffee, with a donut on Thursday or Friday.

[Conservative til I die]

I hit the mall food court with my cousin, and left my brown bag lunch for the next day. I wound up spending $9.50 for a 12-inch sub, some bacon-cheese fries, and a coke. ANd I didn't feel too good afterewards.

[altura]

Perhaps I'm too optimistic, but I don't think this kind of lawsuit stands a chance.

The tobacco lawsuits were bullstuff too, but there are a lot of people who have a pathological hatred of cigarettes and tobacco companies. They have no ability to reason and the thought of getting Revenge on the tobacco companies was irresistible to them.

People don't hate food in the same way. A lot of people on this thread are claiming they don't eat fast food, and may show a bit of mild contempt for those who do. However, it doesn't amount to the same loathing that I see for tobacco.

As far as the healthy restaurants go, forget about it. Most of the fast food chains have tried offering lower calorie stuff and healthier stuff and it bombs. People like the burgers and fries. Bottom line (and that's where it goes.)

But what could be more ridiculous than a big fat slob saying, duh, I didn't know all those burgers and fries would make you fat. If that had occurred to me, I would never have ordered three at a time.

[nothingnew]

ANd I didn't feel too good afterewards.

ARRGGGHHandUGGHHS!...I remember that feeling. (and I usually had to run to the toilet about 1 hour after eating that stuff...not a pretty pcture!)

FMCDH

[putupon]

Who's making America so fat?

The same thing that makes fat people fat in other countries, the ability to afford fattening food and beverage combined with lack of willpower to resist temptation to overly consume available product. Rich people are overweight in third world countries where the poor are starving. I would get into more detail on the subject, but I gotta run. It's halftime and we're out of beer and chips.

[Rapunzel]

You are absolutely correct about the Atkins diet. As a recently diagnosed diabetic I was told by the doctor to use the pyramid food groups and consume 1800 calories daily. After a week I realized my glucose readings were not coming down and thanks to Dr. Atkins website I found out the worst culprit was too many carbohydrates. Switched to the Atkins plan and now three months later I am 36 pounds lighter and blood sugar levels average 112. I can't wait to hear the dr's praise and then I can tell him it is all thanks to Atkins and abstaining from foods high in carbs. I also am not counting fat grams at all! It is great to eat so much good food and actually lose lbs.

[Polybius]

Who's making America so fat?

The answer is simple.

Fat genes are getting concentrated.

When you see a good-looking, slim man or woman, do they go out of their way to look for fat mates? No! They marry each other. What's up with that?

The fat people are then left to mate with other fat people. Is that fair?

Something MUST be done about this "fat segregation". The Democrats need to introduce legislation to require good-looking trim men to marry women that look like Rosie O'Donnell and require good-looking slim women to marry that poor fat guy that never got a single date in High School.

But why wait for the the Government to act?

If you are single and slim, America needs your help NOW!

So, all you slim, single people, get out there, find yourself a fat mate and "Do It" for your Country! Your Country wants you to!

[VOA]

bump

[VaBthang4]

Alright granted I didnt read the article but my powers for avoiding stupidity kicked in so I just went with it...

Anyway, I would think the people feeding themselves are making themselves fat.

Could be me.

[NerdDad]

Rush told us this was going to happen.

I don't blame anyone but myself for being fat. I think I should be able to blame the medical establishment because of some of the medications I took to fight migraines that did nothing for me but destroy my metabolism, but I don't. I have taken personal responsibility for my health and my weight problem. I have made up my mind that I don't like being fat and I am doing something about it. Novel concepts for the trial lawyers and their get-rich-quick clients but it works for me.

I've lost 33 lbs since the first of the year. What diet, you ask? None. I eat what I please. Believe it or not, I lost 15 lbs through the cleaning out process in preparation for a colonoscopy and it hasn't come back. I truly was as full of crap and my wife always said. Diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome I had to increase my fiber and water intake and increased my physical activity. I've cut back on my portions a bit, which only means, I don't quite eat all the fries I get when I biggie size my burger order. Simply put, I crap more regularly than I used. My body doesn't get the time to absorb quite as much fat as it once did. I don't recommend scheduling a visit to your local silver-stallion wielding MD but I do recommend improving your colonic regularity. It's done wonders for me.

Brings to mind the old joke about which organ in the body is the boss. You don't have to be smart to be the boss, just an .....

[Great Dane]

Perhaps I'm too optimistic, but I don't think this kind of lawsuit stands a chance.

You may be right, I am not so sure, apart from tobacco, look at all the insane and cases we have seen, and the plaintiffs won most of them.

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

People have every right to eat,drink and smoke.What i would like to know is,the people filing these lawsuits,JUST WHO IN THE HELL DO THEY THINK THEY ARE?A law should be passed that jails anyone filing a lawsuit because such a legal instrument IMPEDES A PERSON TO EXCERISE THEIR RIGHTS.

[Timesink]

Americans today eat more low-fat foods that at any other point in history. Yet we are fatter than ever. It really is as simple as "common sense" and "conventional wisdom" being complete crap, as usual. Fat in foods != fat in your waistline. In fact, it's the exact opposite.

Which also means that Big Franchises like McDonald's and Wendy's are not one iota responsible for anyone's weight gain, btw. And any such lawyers that try to gain money by lying about it should be disbarred.

[Freedom4US]

Welfare for Lawyers. I hope nobody has any illusions as to why they are among the most hated people in the world.