Letters: Jun. 28, 2004

America's Obesity Crisis

"There is something wrong in the world when other countries are starving while we Americans are eating ourselves to death." KRISTINA VITEK Tampa, Fla.

Thank you for the comprehensive articles on the epidemic of obesity in the U.S. [June 7]. It is only to be expected that we should become a nation of overweight people; after all, from childhood we are taught to consume as much as possible. If it weren't for voracious consumers, our economy would be in trouble. Clearly, too many of us believe that a little is good, more is better and too much is just enough. CHARLES J. HUEBNER Petoskey, Mich.

You quoted molecular geneticist Dr. Jeffrey Friedman as saying "there are genes in the population that predispose to obesity." Genetics may be a factor, but there are people in many other countries who have the same genes as Americans but not the same problems. Maybe our habit of blaming others, faulting our ancestors or suing McDonald's--instead of admitting that obesity is our problem and we must fix it--is what made us fat in the first place. DOUG FARQUHAR Washington

In the U.S. fewer than 5,000 Americans have died as a result of terrorist-related activity, whereas 300,000 obesity-related deaths occur each year in this country, according to the Surgeon General's estimates. But while we have declared war on terrorism, we have directed few resources toward identifying the "evildoers" within our borders who are complicit in this appalling death rate. What will it take for the government to declare war on obesity? THOMAS A. ANDERSON Sun City, Ariz.

Why is America getting fat? Because this is the country of drive-through everything. But we shouldn't blame fast-food restaurants, nor should the government get involved and tell us what we cannot eat. Common sense is the answer. Instead of driving to the nearest grocery store, take a walk. America has bigger issues to worry about. DANA SAWYER Williamsport, Pa.

The last thing we need is more laws, more bureaucracy and more lawsuits in the name of reducing obesity. We need to hold individuals responsible for their own actions, including overeating. How can we ever hope to solve our problems if nothing is ever our fault? DENNIS SKINDER Chicago

I disagree with the experts who blame obesity on everything from our caveman mentality to our survival instinct. We didn't evolve into tubs of lard in one generation. For too long we've been feeding our kids prepackaged garbage instead of meals. It is no wonder we are fat. Instead of relying on the false promises of every fad and unhealthy diet out there, I suggest Americans stick to eating in moderation and exercising regularly. TIM J. WATT Harpswell, Maine

Blubber has become a national health scandal. Obviously, the culprits are fattening fast food, working moms and a decline in intramural sports in school, plus hours of staring at TVs and computers. You reported that 80% of children played sports every day in 1969 while only 20% do so today. Athletic directors, head coaches and platoons of assistants should be enlisted to activate physical-education programs that leave no child behind in rigorous exercise. JOHN A. VANDERFORD Jacksonville, Ala.

Here's to the New Boss