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[Zaptruder]

I know I'm rather late to the party, but I just watched this.

It was a pretty interesting documentary... nothing I didn't really already know, but was well put together in an informative and entertaining way that makes a person just sit up and say... damn :/

The actual 'supersizing' of the guy was a bit ridiculous and overboard... but it was the hook to draw people in to see the actual content of the film, where he interviewed the people behind the food industry.

He makes a good point in that while there's social responsibility to eating right... that a lot of the general social attitude towards food is directly created and manipulated by large industries looking out for their bottom dollar rather than the interests of consumer health.

With regards to the Mcdonalds lawsuit issue... while it was in many ways an example of american litigiousness gone out of control, the documentary did make alot of good points as to why corporate entities like Mcdonalds should claim some sort of responsibility towards the health of the nation and the world. If it needs to be in the form of a lawsuit that this is made much more cognizant, then so be it.

To say that one can simply walk away and make the choice to not dine at one of these fastfood places is like a person from the 70's saying that it's simply the choice of a person to not smoke; ignores the general social atmosphere that these giant corporations create as well as the chemically addictive nature of foods, particularly processed foods.

Good health needs to be taken from both fronts; promoting exercising... as well as promoting good eating over bad eating. Suing Mcdonalds could be the good start needed towards approaching one of these fronts.

 

[NohWun]

The part about the movie that got me worried was the part about school lunches.

Essentially, a lot of schools are becoming fast food outlets. The megacorporations are essentially bypassing parents and appealing to the kids directly.

 

[Chony]

I like the McDonalds ads on the bottom of this page. I worked their for 2 years, didnt get fat, just pimples.

 

[SFA_AOK]

Good timing!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4010481.stm

 

[Phoenix]

Good timing!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4010481.stm

Its unfortunate that we have to resort to this, that's all I will say about it.

 

[karasu]

I haven't had Mcdonalds in at least three years.

 

[Insertia]

the dvd has a hilarious extra where the filmakers put McDonalds fries and burgers into a jar for extended periods. After three months in the jar, the fries showed absolutely no sign of deteriorating. :lol

 

[Alucard]

Great little movie. I really want to pick it up on DVD eventually. I totally stopped eating fast food for 3 months after seeing it. I only occassionally eat it now...when there is no other alternative. So yes, you can say that the documentary did some good.

 

[Baconäger]

I eat fast food all the time. It's awesome.

The movie was pretty good too.

 

[FortNinety]

It had a great opportunity to make a strong, lasting message. Instead, it's just a showcase for some retard to stroke his ego. Plus it further validates parents who can't control their children's eating habits. As someone once said, it's another thing for rich people to go, hey look how stupid poor people are! The film seriously made me sick.

 

[pnjtony]

If you get fat eating McDonalds, that is 100% YOUR FAULT and no one elses. YOU made those choices and YOU have to deal with them. I know I am, hehe

 

[Alucard]

Maybe if people had more alternatives to fast food when eating out then this wouldn't be such a big problem in North America. Although most health food restaurants are generally more expensive than ones that just serve the standard burger and fries and grease stuff.

 

[Kobun Heat]

PROTIP: IF YOU ARE FAT EAT SALADS, IDIOT

I cannot even begin to tell you how much this bullshit pisses me off. If you somehow think eating a hamburger and french fries is healthy then you are retarded. People don't go to McDonald's to eat healthy and if they do they can just buy a goddamned grilled chicken salad with light dressing. Or go to Subway and get a turkey breast sub on wheat with green peppers. Or go on the goddamned Atkins diet and eat burgers with no bun and skip the fries. Do anything you want, but don't sue McDonald's because you can't control your eating habits. Just don't goddamned go there.

I eat unhealthy things too. It's my right, and I'm happy that companies stand up and say YES GOSH DARN IT THIS IS AMERICA AND WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH CHEAP, NON-NOURISHING, GOOD-TASTING PASTRIES MADE WITH WAY MORE CHOCOLATE THAN ANYTHING NEEDS TO BE. Because sometimes I want that. And that's okay.

 

[Warm Machine]

It had a great opportunity to make a strong, lasting message. Instead, it's just a showcase for some retard to stroke his ego. Plus it further validates parents who can't control their children's eating habits. As someone once said, it's another thing for rich people to go, hey look how stupid poor people are! The film seriously made me sick.

Do you really think that was the message of the film? That the rich think the poor are stupid? That didn't occur to me in the least.

 

[Zaptruder]

PROTIP: IF YOU ARE FAT EAT SALADS, IDIOT

I cannot even begin to tell you how much this bullshit pisses me off. If you somehow think eating a hamburger and french fries is healthy then you are retarded. People don't go to McDonald's to eat healthy and if they do they can just buy a goddamned grilled chicken salad with light dressing. Or go to Subway and get a turkey breast sub on wheat with green peppers. Or go on the goddamned Atkins diet and eat burgers with no bun and skip the fries. Do anything you want, but don't sue McDonald's because you can't control your eating habits. Just don't goddamned go there.

I eat unhealthy things too. It's my right, and I'm happy that companies stand up and say YES GOSH DARN IT THIS IS AMERICA AND WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH CHEAP, NON-NOURISHING, GOOD-TASTING PASTRIES MADE WITH WAY MORE CHOCOLATE THAN ANYTHING NEEDS TO BE. Because sometimes I want that. And that's okay.

People that take this line of argument tend to compeletly overlook practical effects and methods of controlling populations. Yes, personal liberty and self control is all good and well; but leveraging control over populations through application of pressure is much better.

Typical republican. I = everyone type thinking.

 

[cvxfreak]

It's interesting. I saw the movie a few days ago, and the next day in health class, my teacher began showing it. Coincidence? I think not! The forces of the universe want me to stop eating fast food (even though I seldom eat fast food).

Seriously, this movie is hopefully a good wake up call for those who eat fast food at least three times a week.

 

[Kobun Heat]

Typical republican.

Indeed, though not for the reason you describe. I'm not "overlooking" the argument, I'm saying that it's utterly wrong.

Personal responsibility is what's called for here, not lawsuits intended to "wake up" McDonald's into taking responsibility for the health of the nation. I (and counting dollars, the vast majority of people) like McDonald's exactly how it is -- delicious and unhealthy. Certain liberals (I won't say "typical" liberals) are arrogant enough to believe that they should be able to take that away from me, to which I say go back to your tofu* and leave me and my Big Mac in peace.

Spoiler

*I also like tofu.

 

[Zaptruder]

Indeed, though not for the reason you describe. I'm not "overlooking" the argument, I'm saying that it's utterly wrong.

Personal responsibility is what's called for here, not lawsuits intended to "wake up" McDonald's into taking responsibility for the health of the nation. I (and counting dollars, the vast majority of people) like McDonald's exactly how it is -- delicious and unhealthy. Certain liberals (I won't say "typical" liberals) are arrogant enough to believe that they should be able to take that away from me, to which I say go back to your tofu* and leave me and my Big Mac in peace.

Spoiler

*I also like tofu.

Personal responsibility is good. No doubting it. But when you're dealing with populations of people, you can't rely on it purely for change. Indeed, it would be most foolish and short sighted to do so.

There's a place for fast foods no doubt. But should it really be as overwhelming as it is in current society? Despite the huge social costs are you saying that this kinda stuff should continue unabated and unchallenged?

Tell me, what are your stances on smoking... or even wearing seatbelts? Because they're both similar issues.

And you say take that away from you? Even without the kind of advertising and social leniancy that exists on the fast foods right now, you would still definetly have your choice of whether to partake in fast food or not. But to defend fastfoods vehemently as if any attack or criticsm was an attempt to remove entirely the fast food industry is mistaken and just plain idiotic.

Let me reiterate again: best case scenario would be to regulate the social controlling effects that so many junk food ads (and what not) would have on a population, while not removing their choice to get those foods if they so desired.

 

[scorcho]

Indeed, though not for the reason you describe. I'm not "overlooking" the argument, I'm saying that it's utterly wrong.

Personal responsibility is what's called for here, not lawsuits intended to "wake up" McDonald's into taking responsibility for the health of the nation. I (and counting dollars, the vast majority of people) like McDonald's exactly how it is -- delicious and unhealthy. Certain liberals (I won't say "typical" liberals) are arrogant enough to believe that they should be able to take that away from me, to which I say go back to your tofu* and leave me and my Big Mac in peace.

Spoiler

*I also like tofu.

i agree that it is a parents' fault that children are eating this crap more and more each day, but we live in a hyper-capitalist society where two parents work non-stop and kids are left to their own devices on what to eat. fast food advertisements saturate television, people get misty-eyed over supersized portions and, well, people love fried potatos. there has to be some balance, and considering how 'fat' this country is getting the government should step in to alleviate the problem somewhat.

 

[Kobun Heat]

are you saying that [the advertising and vending of unhealthful fast food] should continue unabated and unchallenged?

Yes.

Tell me, what are your stances on smoking...

Light up.

or even wearing seatbelts?

Parents should force their kids to wear them... but adults should be able to choose not to without fear of legal repercussions.

But to defend fastfoods vehemently as if any attack or criticsm was an attempt to remove entirely the fast food industry is mistaken and just plain idiotic.

I understand that (most) people are not out to "remove entirely the fast food industry." But their ability to advertise their products should not be tampered with, nor should the content of the food. As long as there's no false advertising involved, I mean. If the only "harmful" effect of the product is that you gain weight by stuffing yourself with it, then I would hardly define that as a product that needs to be changed or regulated.

As I said: I eat McDonald's specifically when I do not care about the saturated fat content of what I am about to consume. To say that they have a responsibility to lower that fat content, or take any one of their items off the menu, is nothing but a fat, greasy, delicious slab of baloney.

 

[xsarien]

I'll rent this one eventually, but I'd like to know if the movie touches on - at all - the fact that you can just as easily order a salad at most of these places as you can a double-bacon cheeseburger.

 

[Phoenix]

There's a place for fast foods no doubt. But should it really be as overwhelming as it is in current society? Despite the huge social costs are you saying that this kinda stuff should continue unabated and unchallenged?

Ads for cars, credit cards, and other new products cause people to rush out and buy things beyond their means. 'Should this kinda stuff continue unabated and unchallenged?' Until an advertisement makes you actually do something I don't think we should be dipping into the system unnecessarily. If this was a violent video game ad and people were trying to ban violent video games I don't think many people here would support banning that ad. If it were for people getting new credit cards, people wouldn't ban that one. Why would fast food ads be different?

 

[XS+]

With all the facetious talk of restoring wholesome values in the US, it'd be nice to see more of a push to advertise healthy eating habits that's as strong as McD's juggernaut marketing machine.

As for the movie, the narrator's attitude was annoying, the documentary took personal responsibility out of the equation, and other than hearing about the effects of the month-long 100% fast food diet (30 lbs of sugar! That was news to me), it just made me want to eat more junk food. Ah well.

 

[Kobun Heat]

With all the facetious talk of restoring wholesome values in the US, it'd be nice to see more of a push to advertise healthy eating habits that's as strong as McD's juggernaut marketing machine.

Uh... Subway? Jared? 6 grams of fat?

 

[KilledByBill]

Ads for cars, credit cards, and other new products cause people to rush out and buy things beyond their means. 'Should this kinda stuff continue unabated and unchallenged?' Until an advertisement makes you actually do something I don't think we should be dipping into the system unnecessarily. If this was a violent video game ad and people were trying to ban violent video games I don't think many people here would support banning that ad. If it were for people getting new credit cards, people wouldn't ban that one. Why would fast food ads be different?

Do any of the things you mentioned cause a direct societal problem? Obessity is a problem in the United States and as the satistics show, it's getting worse every year. The medical costs of obessity weigh(no pun intended) on the the healthcare system which is cause for concern with the government.

This is the same basis that led to lawsuits and huge settlements against the tabacco companies. The product they were selling had a huge external cost that society and the government were being forced to pay as more and more people were suffering from use of the product.

The argument with fast food companies is that they should be required to be more proactive in promoting healthy alternatives/cutting fat because they don't pay the long term costs of people becoming unhealthy from eating their food too much. Business-wise those companies have no incentive to convince people to lower their consumption, even though it's clearly unhealthy.

 

[XS+]

Uh... Subway? Jared? 6 grams of fat?

'Juggernaut marketing machine?'

 

[Zaptruder]

Ads for cars, credit cards, and other new products cause people to rush out and buy things beyond their means. 'Should this kinda stuff continue unabated and unchallenged?' Until an advertisement makes you actually do something I don't think we should be dipping into the system unnecessarily. If this was a violent video game ad and people were trying to ban violent video games I don't think many people here would support banning that ad. If it were for people getting new credit cards, people wouldn't ban that one. Why would fast food ads be different?

Again, you don't need to support outright banning of anything.

Continuing with your videogame analogy, if violent videogames like GTA:SA had advertisement designed to appeal to children and featured prominently during children's programming, I would be appalled and would definetly be one to cry for a little more sense.

Similarly, our attitudes about fast food needs to change and so do the regulations that govern their promotion.

 

[Alex Anderson]

....it just made me want to eat more junk food. Ah well.

This was showed at our school a couple of months ago. My friends and I went to McDonald's after it was over. As for the film itself, I thought it was pretty stupid. He just came off as an idiot to me for even trying that stunt. Force feeding himself to the point of puking? So I guess people aren't responsible enough to stop eating when they're full.

 

[Kobun Heat]

'Juggernaut marketing machine?'

Okay, Subway didn't have NES games made based on their products. Fair enough. But it's still gonna be hard to go out on the street and find somebody who doesn't know about their commercials.

 

[XS+]

A huge marketing push for good health and hygiene would be nice, but I agree that it's not necessary. There isn't a developed country I know of that doesn't have McDs or hasn't heard of that scary redhead clown or that 'I'm Lovin It' campaign. But it's just the US with the fatass and diabetic epidemic. WTF?

 

[FortNinety]

Do you really think that was the message of the film? That the rich think the poor are stupid? That didn't occur to me in the least.

I don't think that was the intention, but its clearly there.

I love how all the film critics praised the film to high hell. You know, most film critics are pretty affluent (at least here in the NYC area, all of whom swooned over the flick), and that's also the audience that was most vocal in their love for the movie. I can't tell you how many co-workers, the ones that work above me and make far more money than me that is, went on and on about how the film exposed some great mystery that fast food is bad for one's health and can't understand why anyone would eat such garbage.

It's so easy to preach healthy living when you have time and money, but most people don't have that. Why do I eat McDonald's? Cuz I'm poor and tired, because I work my fingers to the bone to barely break even. I don't have time to prepare a home cooked meal that won't shorten my life. And the thing is, it's a problem many are faced today, including families.

My folks were poor (still are, really), but they managed to cook a good meal on a regular basis when raising me despite economic hardships. But this doesn't seem to be the case today for most working class families. Why not? I really would have liked the film to explore this, instead of talking down to me and showing that those who eat fast food are dumb (like those black youths... correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't they like the only blacks in the whole damn fim? or that retard that eats Big Macs every single day).

But then again, what do you expect when the filmmaker is a spoiled rich-boy NYU graduate who's going out with some razoer thin, ultra New York liberal b*tch (btw I'm a New Yorker, and I'm liberal, yet I can't stand most who are in my ilk) who probably loves screaming to anyone within earshot about how eating meat is murder, yet parades around town in the latest leather threads from some overpriced SoHo boutique.

 

[Ristamar]

I have to agree with Mr. Kohler's sentiments. And throwing politics into this mix is sketchy, at best. I'm all for looking out for the little guy, but damn... this is as stupid as the woman who won the lawsuit for spilling hot coffee on herself. It's not like there aren't healthier "fast food" options available to the masses.

 

[KilledByBill]

this is as stupid as the woman who won the lawsuit for spilling hot coffee on herself.

ARGH! The ignorance surrounding this case disgusts me. By far, the majority of the damages that McDonalds got hit with were PUNITIVE. The woman only sued for her medical bills(a drop in the bucket for a corp. like McDonalds) but McDonalds attacked her with such malice trying to force her to drop the case and lied out right so the Judge rightfully felt that the company needed to be made an example to others.

If any of you kids are still in school take a fucking business law class.

EDIT: Read the details.

 

[BobbyRobby]

On the one hand, I don't want the government getting invloved in the fast food business, but on the other hand, I want less fat chicks in this country.

Hmmm........

 

[Phoenix]

Do any of the things you mentioned cause a direct societal problem?

The fact that people submit themselves to perpetual slavery by indebting themselves to credit card companies isn't a societal problem?

The argument with fast food companies is that they should be required to be more proactive in promoting healthy alternatives/cutting fat because they don't pay the long term costs of people becoming unhealthy from eating their food too much. Business-wise those companies have no incentive to convince people to lower their consumption, even though it's clearly unhealthy.

Credit cards and similar are just as bad if not worse than fast food problems.

 

[xsarien]

The fact that people submit themselves to perpetual slavery by indebting themselves to credit card companies isn't a societal problem?

There is no doubt that credit cards are abused just as much as fast food is so easily consumed. But both problems stem from a lack of education on both issues. From the moment I was in high school, my parents started drilling the basic concept of credit cards into my head, how and when they should be used, and what can happen if you start using them to buy stuff you obviously can't otherwise pay for.

And they didn't even give me one until college.

If more people were taught as early as possible that they're not licenses to spend, there'd be a lot less debt out there. I do, of course, understand that there are obvious exceptions. But if you're using a credit card to get by because you can't otherwise afford basic essentials, a more long term solution may be in order.

We need more personal responsibility in the United States, lest we get to the same stage as the UK, where they're banning junk food ads after a certain time of day. No nanny state for me, thanks.

 

[KilledByBill]

The fact that people submit themselves to perpetual slavery by indebting themselves to credit card companies isn't a societal problem?

No doubt it is a problem. But the difference is in quantifying the costs to society. When the issue we're talking about is the practices/unhealthy product of the big fast food companies the obvious paralell is big tobacco.

Smoking too much---->debilitating health---->rising health care costs.

Eating too much fast food---->debilitating health---->rising health care costs.

Unless McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's start offering supplemental health care support then they should either: 1) Encourage healthier eating habits/offer healthy food. 2) Be prepared to foot some of the health care costs for customers whose reckless eating habits they encouraged.

 

[Ristamar]

ARGH! The ignorance surrounding this case disgusts me. By far, the majority of the damages that McDonalds got hit with were PUNITIVE. The woman only sued for her medical bills(a drop in the bucket for a corp. like McDonalds)...

I agree with full compensation and lowering the temp. at which the coffee is served. I don't agree with 2.7 million in punitive damages, even if it is just "a drop in a bucket."

EDIT -- Ah, I see it was significantly reduced. Never heard about that part. Nevermind.

 

[Minotauro]

I know the conversation has drifted away from the movie itself but I want to mention my favorite part... it was during the part where he was showing the kids pictures of cultural icons and having them guess who was who. If I remember correctly, he showed them all a picture of Abraham Lincoln and no one could identify him. Then, predictably, he showed them a picture of Ronald McDonald and of course each child guessed right. Then, and this is the part I found entertaining, he showed them a picture (okay, painting) of Jesus. None of the kids, except for one little girl, could even guess. Her guess? George W. Bush.

 

[Red Dolphin]

I haven't seen the movie and will hopefully get to see it soon. I've worked at maccas for nearly 5 years and am nowhere near fat.

It basically comes down to ppl not taking responsibilty for their own actions in today's society. This applies to just about everything. It's ALWAYS someone ELSE'S fault. FFS. Pisses me off.

 

[Warm Machine]

I remember the fat little girl who was going on about how she couldn't afford to eat at Subway every day like Jared did. Girl, all Subway is, is a sandwich. I'm sure your family can afford a loaf of whole wheat bread, some cold cuts, lettuce, and some condiments. Total time involved in making said sandwich...5 minutes.

 

[Naked Snake]

the dvd has a hilarious extra where the filmakers put McDonalds fries and burgers into a jar for extended periods. After three months in the jar, the fries showed absolutely no sign of deteriorating. :lol

That was the best and most startling thing on the DVD IMO.

 

[seanoff]

Channel Nine in Australia ran a downsize me story.

A doctor sort of did an anti super size me at Maccas and ate salads plus etc etc for 90 days.

Lost 21kg

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/video/2004/default.asp Go here and look for the downsize me video

 

[Myllz]

the dvd has a hilarious extra where the filmakers put McDonalds fries and burgers into a jar for extended periods. After three months in the jar, the fries showed absolutely no sign of deteriorating. :lol

Funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. That was amazing.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

I can't believe nobody in the states prepares lunches for their kids at home. Whats with that?

 

[Dujour]

I'm going to get me some wendy's nuggets later with some mountain dew.

 

[Cubsfan23]

Am I the only one who ate Mcdonald's right after watching the movie? :lol My brother watched it with me and he ate some swiss rolls too

 

[Fusebox]

Maccas in Australia is so different to the one in the US - our large is your regular, and our buns and cheese and stuff are low-sugar, low-fat.

Now somebody hit me with another Big Mac!!

 

[AstroLad]

As it is, the problem is getting worse and worse by the day. People say, "oh Atkins doesn't work,""oh so and so doesn't work," well the reason it "doesn't work" is because people go on a "diet" for two weeks and then fall right back into the trap of eating a McGriddle and hash browns for breakfast and going downhill from there. Basically anything would be more healthy than most Americans' diet- Atkins, The Zone, calorie-limiting, fat-limiting, I don't give a shit! But for many people, especially poor and lower-middle class people (though really it's everyone, these people just have higher percentages) it's just too "easy" to eat junk food. First of all (and this is by far the fucking number one reason, it may even be the only truly legitimate one) it makes them feel good, the processed sugar, starch, and lard is what they're accustomed to and they love it; they may try to eat a salad, but for them it's just not the same.

Then there's the claim that junk food is so much cheaper. To me this is almost total bullshit. Sure junk food is "cheaper" if you buy two tiny McD's cheeseburgers and a small Coke, but that won't turn you into a 350-pound mess no matter which way you cut it. Instead, these people are getting Large everything meals, apple pies, and parfaits. In the meantime I go to the grocery store and get a head of lettuce, some veggies, and some salad dressing, and have half my food for the next two days for what they spent on one meal. The only way healthy eating is significantly more expensive is if you have gourmet tastes and need to buy the shitake mushrooms and lean pheasant. Otherwise, it is only marginally more expensive, if that. It's not "cheaper" to eat junk food, it's just that most of the people eating it are too lazy to find a suitable alternative.

Which brings me to my third point- Accessibility. The movie makes a point about this, but nothing is better evidence than going onto any busy street in your town and counting the fast-food restaurants, or going to the grocery store and trying to find an unrefined cereal amidst the 10,000 pounds of dyed processed sugar. You do have to look harder and work harder to find healthy food. It's almost like the junk food industry has invaded our country, taken over our blocks and grocery aisles, and you have to be vigilant in seeking out those rebellious healthy, unprocessed items. Advertising plays a huge role in this as well. To many people, the thought of eating healthy doesn't cross their minds after they've seen commercials for Burger King, Twix, Pepsi, and Pop Tarts. The only contrarian information we get is from boring health folks who tell us this stuff is killing us and we need to stop and we don't wanna hear it so we switch the channel and put another Pillsbury Pastry in the oven.

Looking at what's basically going to be a huge fiscal crisis (it already is, in many ways) supporting people using their "free choice" to eat shit food (w/o allowing for any corporate accountability) we seriously need to take measures to disincentivize the consumption of junk food in this country. The amount of type two diabetics and people w/ heart, liver and kidney problems is only going to keep growing. One of the major justifications for levying a tax on cigarettes (and later suing manufacturers) is that cigarettes put a huge burden on the government by forcing everyone to support people who "chose" to smoke and are now riddled w/ lung cancer and emphysema. Well, this isn't any different. In fact, budget-wise, it's going to be far, far worse when you consider the panoply of chronic, life-long illnesses that require constant treatment that these people are developing. In a tax (and a tax certainly isn't the only solution, just an easy one to discuss), it would be incredibly difficult to determine what is "junk food" on which people have to pay a sin tax and what isn't, but the logistics of it aren't what concern me (when Krispy Kreme tries to get their donuts listed as health food, then it will concern me), what's most important to me right now is deterring people from making these choices, if people eat this shit b/c they claim it's just so "easy," well make it much harder. 95% of the world subsists w/o Frankenberry Cereal and Quarter Pounders, so concern for subsistence is the furthest thing from my mind. Ideally, this would deter people, though even if it didn't work for some it would make them bear some of the cost of the huge health expenses they're footing us with.

On a final note, the film often gets some light criticism b/c eating McD's for every meal is so "outlandish," even the filmmaker concedes this point in the movie to a certain degree. To me this is absolutely ridiculous. People eat what he ate every day, and worse. And not just for a short period of time either, and not only the fattest/most gluttonous 1%, a very large contingent of people. If you think the 275+ pound people in McD's for lunch eat healthy for breakfast and dinner, or are going to eat healthy tomorrow, you're out of your mind. He could have followed one of those people, tracked their diets for a month and copied them and he would have gotten almost the same, if not worse results; to think otherwise is sheer denial.

 

[Loki]

The only way healthy eating is significantly more expensive is if you have gourmet tastes and need to buy the shitake mushrooms and lean pheasant.

:lol

I don't know why, but that made me laugh.


Good points, by the way. Obesity is already a larger contributor to health costs than nicotine is. What's sad is that, in this age of third party payors for health care, everyone pays for the bad choices of the few (or many, in this case). Others' insurance premiums are directly affected every time some grossly overweight person needs to have a triple-bypass; this is to say nothing of diabetes, increased cancer risks etc. Too many people in this country are making poor choices with their lives, and we're all guilty to one degree or another. Yet we attempt to pass our culture off as this nonpareil individualistic paradise where people have all these "choices"; as you note, however, how much choice do we really have? Just what forces are informing the majority of our decisions? It certainly ain't the Surgeon General, I'll tell you that much.