Food Fight: The Inside Story of the Food Industry
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| Author | Kelly D. Brownell |
|---|---|
| Publisher | McGraw-Hill |
| Released | 2000 |
| Released in English | 2000 |
Though the term food fight often refers to the literal throwing of food during an argument or dispute, there is a book by a similar name, called Food Fight: The Inside Story of the Food Industry, America's Obesity Crisis & What We Can Do About It. Published by McGraw-Hill in 2004, Food Fight takes a hard look at what has caused the obesity epidemic in America and why the crisis is spreading overseas. Author Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D., a world expert on obesity, nutrition, and eating disorders, reveals both the roots of the problem and what might be done. Along with coauthor Katherine Battle Horgen, Ph.D., Dr. Brownell explores the convergence of human nature, public indifference, and capitalistic spirit that has transformed the American waistline and jeopardized the nation’s health. The authors critique the current culture of America, one that fosters a toxic food environment and promotes poor eating habits. The book also proposes public policy solutions for reversing the obesity trend and enabling individuals, families and communities to adopt healthier diets.
[edit] Two Sides of the Food Fight
The book analyzes the two passionately divided sides of the current debate, or “food fight.” One side argues that obesity, like smoking, is a public health crisis that demands governmental involvement in order to achieve a solution. Advocates of this viewpoint suggest that government use its legislative power to subsidize production of healthier foods, to regulate food industry practices, and to minimize the extent of junk food advertising to children. Brownell and Horgen support this side of the debate throughout their book.
The other side argues that weight is a matter of personal responsibility, and food choice should not be regulated by government in any capacity. Proponents of this viewpoint support prohibiting lawsuits against food companies and restaurants for their culpability in the obesity epidemic. Advocates of this viewpoint include lobbyists for the food industry and conservative political organizations.
