Britain has a weight problem, too

<a href="http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health/story.jsp?story=467939">News</a>: &ldquo;[Britain&rsquo;s House of Commons Health Select Committee] is considering whether to recommend a ban on television advertising of high-fat and sugary foods during children&rsquo;s viewing times, and the introduction of cigarette-style health warnings on junk food. One in five people in Britain is classed as overweight or obese and rates have tripled among children.



&ldquo;Campaigners say the aggressive marketing of sweets, crisps and soft drinks, using sporting heroes such as Gary Lineker for Walkers crisps and cartoon characters for McDonald's Happy Meals, encourages people to eat poor diets. Increased portion sizes, such as &lsquo;go large&rsquo; burger meals and extra large chocolate bars, have also been blamed.



&ldquo;But [the chief executives of the of McDonald&rsquo;s, Cadbury Schweppes and Pepsi] rejected these claims.&rdquo;