Feds look to regulate food similar to tobacco, with hopes of saving money on health care

Daily Caller ^ | 6/23/2011 | Neil Munro

[xtinct]

The federal government has a growing interest in the eating habits of Americans for the same reason it has an interest in tobacco consumption, said Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The reason is money, because three-quarters of medical-spending is driven by chronic diseases, such as obesity and tobacco-related diseases, she said.

Sebelius’ comments came at the tail-end of Tuesday’s White House press conference where officials showcased nine new photos that must be carried on cigarette packs. Officials used a survey of 18,000 people to find the images that would have the most distressing impact on groups of smokers, including young smokers and mothers of young kids.

[meowmeow]

Most junk food is consumed in front of the TV.

Maybe they should ban TV :)

[tioga]

First they came for our lightbulbs, now they want our twinkies....when will it end?

[LearsFool]

Overeating is a disgusting, filthy habit that should be taxed, regulated, or banned outright.

;-)

[subterfuge]

Good post. But I happen to believe the so-calle “poor” make bad choices about food and their lifestyles and that is what causes their obesity. I see them in the grocery store all the time and with their EBT cards they are spending WAY more than I do on food/necessities. If they have enough government credits to buy a 8 boxes of twinkies and 40 lbs. of frying chicken, they have enough to buy some vegetables and fruit. I just don’t see them doing it.

[Marine_Uncle]

Your asking to much from this crowd regarding attempts at being “logical”. Not that they really would want to go down that route.

[Borax Queen]

A lot of us non-smokers in AZ opposed the bans. We knew exactly what was coming next. No one listened.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks sickoflibs.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Nanny State PING!

[elkfersupper]

We warned you and a lot of Freepers did not listen.

[TigersEye]

Burn them all to the ground! These people are all demons.

[TigersEye]

What part of Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness don't they understand?

They understand it and they hate it.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Why the heck would anyone want to cook 95% fat-free beef? Sticks to the pan.

But these losers will feel good about themselves, and that’s what counts, I guess.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Buying twinkies sweetened with drain cleaner off the back of a truck...

[TigersEye]

Next will be regulating behavior that leads to obesity.

Next is right. It is in the 0bamaCare law. Neighborhood monitors who will check your status.

[TigersEye]

Why not put special ‘food dispensers’ into every household...

I'd recommend not giving them any ideas, but this has probably already been considered in some form.

Smart refrigerators? Like smart water meters, smart electric meters and smart gas meters.

[elkfersupper]

I am appaently on a permanent campout. I don’t care.

[libertarian27]

What part of Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness don't they understand?

Check out my tag line I've had for a while....

Bureaucracy: As the Screw Turns

[TigersEye]

That actually sounds good to me. Can’t do it right now though. Soon that may not be a choice.

[libertarian27]

I can’t wait until companies start NOT hiring overweight people and fire those who go over their regulated BMI....I’ll just sit back with my cigarette and laugh and laugh....and then I’ll cry...

We’ve all been warning people for years and barely anyone listened....well, here’s you sign (channeling Bill Engvall)

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!