Obesity Gains on Smoking as Top Cause of US Death
 (Washington, Reuters Health, 3/10/04)

According to recent statistics, increasing numbers of Americans are suffering the effects of being overweight or obese, which include an increased risk of chronic disease and premature death. In response, the federal government has launched a media campaign to encourage better food choices and increased physical activity, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer group, claims the ads offer no real help. The group suggests that the administration should instead back more substantial measures, like removing junk food from schools, requiring calorie labeling on fast-foods and fully funding the CDC's VERB campaign, which promotes exercise for young people.