Our friends at Diet Blog just alerted us to an alarming bill being proposed by Mississippi lawmakers; one that would direct restaurants to refuse to serve anyone who is obese. You’re kidding me, right?!?!While I think the chances of this bill being passed are about as great as a snowball surviving a raging inferno…I’m appalled, shocked, and dismayed (gobsmacked for our British friends) that these lawmakers would even think to commit something like this to paper. I fail to see how making someone a social pariah is going to help them lose weight. Wouldn’t it make more sense to get the restaurants to offer healthy options? Or is this a ‘ do as I say, not as I do’ type deal? Do the lawmakers [really expect me to believe they are all ‘normal’ weight] want to order a triple bacon cheeseburger with large fries for themselves…but that guy can’t because he’s too heavy? Will there be scales as you enter eating establishments so everyone knows whether you can be served or not? Should we tell the grocery stores to refuse to sell certain foods to overweight people too? On the flip side, I applaud Florida (my home state) for the recent Department of Health kickoff of ‘ Step Up, Florida - On Our Way to Healthy Living!’ “ County health departments, state and local partners, schools and worksites will host events throughout February and March to promote physical activity and healthy nutrition for Floridians of all ages and abilities.” Obesity won’t be cured by one single approach, but we’ll have far more success with positive programs than negative. - Renee Labels: Obesity, Renee
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