Here we go again.  The AP reported today that Los Angeles city officials have passed a moratorium on the building of new fast food restaurants in South L.A..  The reasons stated by the city council members sound great.  I am not against the idea of limiting certain types establishments BUT we may be over-reacting here.  I would propose that instead of limiting food places, that city governments actually look for ways to help people get more active.  We are too reactionary in our approaches.  A more proactive type of movement is needed here.  If you want to reduce obesity, you need to provide incentives for people to look for and adopt healthier lifestyles.  Increased physical activity in schools, biking & pedestrian spaces in cities, a health care system that promotes preventative care and uses pharmaceuticals as a last resort.  Insurance reimbursement for services provided by Registered Dietitians would be a great place to start the trend of preventative care! 

There are numerous reasons why obesity rates continue to climb.  The fast food influence is only a small part of the issue.  People are not forced into fast food restaurants.  There is a choice that can be made. But what happens?  Generally, people rely on not just fast food but most restaurant service for convenience.  They don’t want to take the time to cook/clean their own meals.  I have clients tell me all the time, “It’s easier/cheaper for me to eat out than fix it myself”.

The Wall Street Journal online posted an article yesterday, “Drugstore Tobacco Sales Under Fire”.  The main point being that stores promoting health care should not be selling tobacco products.  Again, the intent is good.  However, if the reason for the actions is “…to reduce tobacco-related illnesses…”, then should those same stores also be banned from selling alcohol or potato chips, sodas, candy bars and other “junk” foods? 

We have banned trans fats, we have banned cigarettes in office spaces we are now banning fast food restaurants.  We need to ban laziness, inactivity, and poor diets.  How do we accomplish those goals?  Unfortunately, I don’t have those answers.  I will keep working to educate people on ways to improve their health……Eat More Fresh fruits and Vegetables, Eat less fried foods, Increase Physical Activity.  We don’t need the government to ban things from us.  We need to step up our own actions and start making better lifestyle choices.  Get started today!

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make that Change!

~John