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In an effort to curb the obesity epidemic in this country, health officials are considering banning fast-food restaurants. They are calling it "health zoning."
It sounds like a valiant effort, but will something like Los Angeles City Council's proposed two-year moratorium on new fast-food restaurants in South L.A., where the adult obesity rate is 10% higher than the national average, really work? Mark Vallianatos, director of the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College, said "While limiting fast-food restaurants isn't a solution in itself, it's an important piece of the puzzle." He called this kind of legislation "the wave of the future."
However, banning the building of new fast food restaurants doesn't seem like it will change habits in the existing environment. Because eating fast food is simply more practical for people, won't they just keep eating unhealthy foods from the restaurants that are already there?
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8-03-2008 @11:29AM Me said... In response to the idea that people eat fast food only when they're busy or because they're poor... Have we stopped to think that maybe spending $5.00 per meal per person per day adds up a lot quicker than buying fresh produce to feed four people for a week?
People need to be re-educated as to what they are eating and what "healthy" options really are. Healthy does not mean all organic, nor does it mean spending $5.00 on a pound of tomatoes. It does mean eating out less, which in the long run, saves money anyway.
This is elitist only in that it's helping a poorer population in a paternalistic manner. The real problem is not the goal of the legislation, but rather the fact that it is regulating food in much the same way that the U.S. once tried to regulate alcohol. This legislation may open the door for more far-reaching and thorough bans, and I'm quite torn about that; fast food is disgusting to me, but people, especially adults, ought to be able to make their own decisions about how they kill themselves with food.
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9-11-2007 @2:40PM Jim said... Wonderful! I'm GLAD our Nanny Overlords are taking even more of our freedom and critical thinking away from us!
This *must* have originated in California. How else to describe the elitism inherent in the plan? C'mon folks, people eat fast food for two reasons: a) they're busy (running errands, etc.) and don't have time to cook; and b) they can't afford anything else. So now the poor "B" folks will have to take a bus somewhere else to get food? How is that fair?
Look, I'm not a huge fast food fan. But it does have its place. And sure, it would be great if everyone drank soy milk and ate nothing but organic vegetables... it would also be great if I could make rainbows come out of my ass, but I just don't see either happening any time soon.
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9-11-2007 @2:47PM Tim said... This will get shot down so fast in the supreme court
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9-11-2007 @7:30PM ann marie said... they will take away our big macs as fast as they take away our porn.
bunch of busybodies
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9-11-2007 @5:00PM William said... +1 to Jim's comments. This is why I won't move out west.
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9-11-2007 @5:34PM Michael Schmitt said... "Amid worries of an obesity epidemic and its related illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease" by LA officials.
WOW
California is also trying to legislate health care too at the cost to the taxpayers. So, if they are now tying food to health issues, and they are going to regulate the health care industry, does this mean that they can effectively legislate what you eat and where and when you can eat it?
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9-11-2007 @6:16PM Matthew Hilario said... They should just get rid of those ridiculous new burgers they have now.. 5lb sirlion burger. carl's jr (hardee's) 6 dollar burger, and now mcdonald's new third pounder?! god, do these seriously look appetizing?
but french fries on the other hand, are 2good.
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9-11-2007 @8:00PM Evan Brom said... I never eat fast food yet I could stand to lose a few pounds. I think the meals at nice restaurants are just as fattening even the asparagus with hollandaise not too healthy yet a standard side.
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9-12-2007 @1:40AM deleted said... But what constitutes a fast food establisment? Selling burgers and fries, or having a specific calorie count? Maybe how many chains exist of a certain place, or is it simply how fast you get the food? Cause god knows when i order a something healthy i don't want it to come fast!
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9-12-2007 @5:39AM Silver_Potato said... Please don't move out west, there are enough idiots here already.
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9-12-2007 @10:03AM Julia Jensen said... Yeah, just what IS fast food? McDonalds, sure, but what about Boston Market or Panera? Both of those have many healthy options, but you can carry it out with you, too.
Steak 'n' Shake? There's a drive-up window, but if you eat inside, you get a real plate and glass.....
Talk about slippery slopes.
And I hardly ever eat fast food, either, but I need to lose 70 lbs. Even wholesome yumminess like homemade bread & butter aren't all that good for you..... except for your soul.....
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9-12-2007 @10:49AM Trisha Smith said... Now why in the world would somebody think they could make a difference by taking away fast food restaurants. The overweight/obesity problem didn't just start with the development and introduction of fast food restautrants. If you take away those, then how about subtracting all the other contributors to the weight problems, like, Baskin Robbins and Dairy Queen. Then lets take away TV, computers and video games because all they do is keep us inside on our big fat butts after just finishing off a big mac with super sized fries and one of those large McFlurries( I think that's what they call it). Then let's get back to the real way of living when all that extra fat substance and preservative stuff and steroids wasn't in our foods. And lets all go outdoors after school or work and ride our bikes, play a round of croquet, basketball, pitch a few to each other or run and play hide and seek. We are all a product of the technological advances and economic enterprise in this country today and we just need to learn to adapt and have a little more respect for our bodies by using a little more discipline and restraint and a big slice of common sense. And I know I need to be talking to the face in the mirror. Now THAT would be some REAL "health zoning." Those people are just, oh well......
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9-12-2007 @11:09AM jsmylie said... Facepalm.
The problem is not fast food. Well, okay, fast food is *a* problem, but the *real* problem is *attitude.* As long as Americans think they can eat crap like this five days a week, not exercise, and have no negative effects, we'll still see obesity spiral out of control. California's already the land of In-N-Out and Fat Burger; just because there are a lot of hippies eating wheatgrass and no new franchises doesn't mean plenty of folks won't just hunt down the nearest already-extant one.
Instead of trying to legislate morality, create an attitude shift in society. It's the only thing that'll really work.
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9-15-2007 @10:01AM Patricia Seay said... Banning fast food joints is fine and dandy if the breadwinner of the house earned triple the amount of money he/she does now in order for the other adult member of the house to be able to stay home, baby sit, clean house, cook meals, like back in the 1950's. A lot of fast food joints have changed for the better by serving complete meals (not just sandwiches), salads, desserts, etc. I can see where parental supervision is required for children getting out of school and going to their favorite fast food joint, thus adding on the weight. Another factor for weight increase is kids today are NOT getting out of the house to play games with neighborhood kids, but instead are staying indoors to play on their computer and other electronic equipment. Parents should put some type of software lock on this type of equipment including TV's so children can go outside and get that exercise they need. And most importantly, don't give them $$$$ for no particular reason. Keep fatty foods out of the house like sodas and cookies and put healthy items in it instead - like lemonade, bottled water, etc.
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9-16-2007 @2:06PM John Runkle said... Great!! Now the government is going to tell us what we can eat too. When are we ever going to learn. What arrogant bastards sit on these councils. Who the hell do they think they are
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9-16-2007 @4:29PM Val said... Why don't they focus on more fast food and make the companies take the high fat, fillers and junk out of it? It would be nice to eat something and know that it had ingredients that were actually good for me, but if they can kill me with garbage and make a profit, well that's capitalism for you. Reduce the stress and crime in LA and people might find something to do besides eat.
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9-16-2007 @2:26PM !!! said... This isn't going to work; they can ban "restaurants" all they want, but they'll get shot down ASAP under restraint of trade rules in court. Also, it isn't the outlet, it's the food itself. Are we to elect faceless bureaucrats who have the power to regulate how people cook, what ingredients they use and their caloric intake? Good thing the damn pols aren't bulletproof; wonder how Schwarzenegger would taste done us as sauerbraten with Freedom Fries on the side and nice chianti chaser.
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9-16-2007 @2:28PM t bridges said... can you say nazi party??? first tax our smokes to excess, then take our fast food,decide what we can watch. how long until we are really under the control of " the party"? its time the america people stand up and stop being pussies. we the people, for the people, by the people. in life there are winners and losers. let me decide whats good for me, or what i want.
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9-16-2007 @2:28PM Vivi said... Nothing is going to work for the people who can't see themselves as others see them. You can tell a person he/she will die tomorrow and it won't make any difference. They just can't see what someone else sees because they just won't look at themself in the same light.
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9-16-2007 @2:28PM Tracy said... Is it really up to lawmakers to govern what I choose to eat? This is a cultural problem, not a governmental one. There is no law against being overweight, yet this is what is coming in the future if laws like these are allowed to pass. I would think that these politicians have more important things to spend money and time on, such as reducing crime. I think Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness means it's my life and I'm free to get a burger if iy makes me happy.
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