Obesity epidemic Articles

Is 'Globesity' the Next Big Thing in Investing?

Obesity. Climate change. Our ever-increasing energy needs. These are just some of the megatrends analysts see coming down the global pike, trends that investors can draft behind and make money from.

Olympic Chief Bites Tongue on McDonalds, Coke Sponsorships

The head of the International Olympic Committee has backed off his criticism of London 2012 sponsors Coke and McDonald's as promoting unhealthy behaviors and obesity. But with the fat sponsorship contracts at stake, did he really have any choice but to leap that moral hurdle?

Junk Food: The Pariah That's Replacing Tobacco

Forget cigarettes: The big public health boogyman now is obesity. The idea that our growing waistlines pose a hefty threat to our financial well-being is gaining momentum, and all signs point to this trend having a big impact on public opinion and public policy.

Will Mayor Bloomberg's War on Big Sodas Make Your Wallet Thinner?

Plans by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to restrict the sale of sodas and other sugary drinks have many businesses fizzing. He says his goal is to help our waistlines; but will consumers pay the price in other ways?

Drink Up: How You Can Get Around NYC's Proposed Big Soda Ban

New York's Mayor Bloomberg has proposed a law that could make it harder to quench your thirst: It would ban the sale of sugary soft drinks in cups larger than 16 ounces. In the spirit of helpfulness and civil disobedience, here are a few ways around it.

FDA Gives an Insulin Shot In the Arm to Corn Syrup Critics

Experts say high-fructose corn syrup contributes to the obesity epidemic, and the FDA just blocked its makers from calling it "corn sugar." But there's an even smarter way the government could foil this fat-maker.

Obesity Drags on the Economy

Obese people do not just risk their own health; their health problems cripple the economy. GDP would be given a boost if the number of fat people fell sharply. The Obama administration has not made an attack on obesity part of its stimulus program. Maybe it should.

First Lady, Grocers Bring Stores to Food Deserts

As part of a plan to increase access to high-quality nutritious foods, First Lady Michelle Obama announced on Wednesday that she is teaming up with several of the country's largest food retailers. From healthier foods to new jobs, see what's in store for big chains like Walmart.

10 Most Unhealthy Fast-Food Items on America's Menu

America is getting heavier and less healthy every year, and our increasing consumption of fast food is at least partially to blame. 24/7 Wall St. examined the menus of the top 10 quick service restaurants to find the items that were the highest in calories, carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fat. Here's what they found:

Will Open Letter to McDonald's Bite Into Profits?

McDonald's got a letter from 550 health experts Wednesday accusing the fast food giant of ignoring the impact its products -- and its marketing -- have on America's children. It's not the first such criticism of McDonald's, but so far, the attacks don't appear to have hurt its sales.