Some 50 million Americans reportedly aren't just overweight, they're obese. In just the past 20 years, the problem has doubled, costing the country some $70 billion a year in medical bills alone. The greatest increase is among children, which suggests a bleak future if something isn't done soon. In the past few days, both the food industry and the federal government have announced new nutritional initiatives. Will smaller portions and bigger labels make for a healthier diet? Are the recent proposals a formula for a healthier society or a recipe for consumer confusion? We speak with a food writer, nutrition professionals and a representative of the food industry about trans fats, heart attacks, advertising and government regulation.
- Making News: Federal Budget Deficit Balloons to a Record $455 Billion
As Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan made his semi-annual report to Congress today, the White House announced that the federal deficit would hit a record $455 billion this year. The new figures, 50 percent higher than the administration's February estimate, include early costs from the war in Iraq and the President's recent tax cuts, according to Jonathan Weisman who reports on the economy for the Washington Post. - Reporter-s Notebook: Tour de France Centennial
The Olympic Games and the World Cup are the only events that draw more spectators than the Tour de France. This year, it's 3400 kilometers in 20 stages, with a winner-s prize of 335,000 euros-- about $350,000. But the three-week race has never been about money. Viken Berberian, author of a novel called The Cyclist, is in Marseille, where the tenth stage of the 100 year-old Tour ended today.
Center for Science in the Public Interest
FDA's better nutrition initiative
Kraft Foods- obesity initiative
Severson's article on trans fat