Mississippi, Most Obese State In Nation, Passes 'Anti-Bloomberg' Law

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

By Ashley Portero | March 12 2013 11:32 AM

Mississippi, where an estimated one in three adults are at least 30 pounds above a healthy weight, has the highest obesity rate in the United States. And now the state is about to ban any move to regulate the food and beverage industry as a means of addressing the public health crisis.

A bill awaiting Gov. Phil Bryant’s would prevent any Mississippi county from enacting rules that either require calorie counts to be posted, limit portion sizes or keep toys out of children’s value meals, the legislation states.

The so-called “Anti-Bloomberg” law was advanced in reaction to the handful of public health initiatives New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has championed during his tenure. The most publicized, an attempted prohibition on oversize sodas, was struck down by a judge on Monday, just one day before it was set to take effect.

 

Hospitality and Restaurant Industry, told National Public Radio. "Not because of legislative mandates or regulatory mandates, but because of consumer demand. Our industry has always been one to respond to the marketplace."

Bloomberg’s unprecedented ban on sugary drinks was met with skepticism from Democrats and Republicans alike. However, research appears to back up his concerns over the restaurant industry’s huge portion sizes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports restaurant meal sizes are four times larger now than they were in the 1950s, while the average adult is 26 pounds heavier.

At this rate, almost half  -- 42 percent -- of all Americans are expected to be obese by 2030, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Stemming that increase could result in at least $550 billion in health care savings over the next 20 years. Even a 1 percent reduction in the national obesity rate would reportedly save $85 billion.

 

 

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/mississippi-most-obese-state-nation-passes-anti-bloomberg-law-against-food-regulation-1120513

Well it's nice to see politicians with no brains as well.... It's no wonder Mississippi is the most obese state in the nation... Very "smart"...   Also interesting how the portion sizes have grown substantially over the years, something I mentioned before too, which is the main problem.  The portion sizes are too big and folks aren't getting enough exercise.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Via Garibaldi 8

[Quill Depot 1,570]

You have to realize, health risk goes up when someone becomes obese, and the change of some medical procedure they can't pay for get's higher as well. This puts Medicare (or ObamaCare) in a crisis, having to pay for all these injured couch potatoes. Mississipi is making the wrong choice.

[realizm 4,456]

Fun fact: Keep in mind ppl that some people have high metabolisms. They can consume large meals and it has no effect on their IBW, BP levels, sodium, glucose, and cholesterol levels. Especially if they are always in high levels of activity and/or have regular exercise routines.

 

**Oh to add: And if such persons sleep well (7 hours or more). Sleep deprivation can adversely cause a person to become obese.

Edited March 13, 2013 by realizm

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

Here a link of a typical Miss/Southern Diet (not counting big cities like Dallas or Atlanta with ppl. come from all over the USA and beyond)

 

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090131192229AAIxiqo

[mtattrain 1,185]

Hmmm... their diet seems to be full of fried stuff. Maybe a small change in diet or more alternatives would work.

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

Here a link of a typical Miss/Southern Diet (not counting big cities like Dallas or Atlanta with ppl. come from all over the USA and beyond)

 

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090131192229AAIxiqo

Not surprising... The Southern states are generally the ones at the top of the list for the most obese states...

 

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/photos/top-10-fat-states-where-obesity-rates-are-highest

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

Hmmm... their diet seems to be full of fried stuff. Maybe a small change in diet or more alternatives would work.

That and I'm sure they drink tons of soda and other crap too... Here's what I found interesting this morning while listening to Good Day NY... Kids that drink soda regularly are more likely to eat other bad foods with it, which makes sense, leading to a bad diet overall. I was actually craving a bacon and egg sandwich this morning, but instead I went to the market, picked up some organic milk and natural cereal with a nice amount of fiber, and had a few bowls, with some natural spring water and just finished an organic low fat yogurt drink after I came into the office.  Granted, I LOVE potato chips, cookies and all of that stuff, but instead of getting potato chips loaded with garbage, I get either natural baked potato chips if I must have those or organic tortilla chips or the spinach, carrot and potato chips which are much better for you health wise and allow you to eat more or "binge" if you will and for the cookies and other stuff, well I still eat them but in moderation.  I think that's the key thing here.  

 

I don't just buy something because it's organic or supposedly "all natural" since products that are "natural" are not regulated the same way that organic products are.  It's important to read the labels and know what you're eating.  Most people don't have a clue.  I'm the type of person that will do research of the ingredients right in the market because natural foods can have garbage in them too, just not as much perhaps as they may use better quality ingredients, but you still have to be careful.   Organic products are regulated and must be cultivated following organic guidelines in order to have the organic label, but even then I still read the ingredients list.

 

When I was in college I gained the freshman 10 and couldn't understand why.  Then I realized why.... When I would go to get snacks from the local market, the portion sizes were much bigger than what I would eat at home and since smaller portions weren't available at the market, I would get the bigger sizes and then feel obligated to eat everything so as not to waste anything.  Eventually what I started to do was not buy the big portions, pay more for smaller portions on campus and just limit my portion sizes and that kept me in shape along with changing my eating patterns as the healthy options became better and tastier at the U.S. university.

 

This is the problem with today's portion sizes... They're 2 or 3 times bigger than when I was growing up in some cases and then you combine that with the lack of exercise folks get and it's not surprising that so many people are obese.  Eating healthy is not easy, but you have dedicate time to do so and one can eat well and not spend a fortune.  Hell sometimes when I'm not really hungry, I'll go to Whole Foods and make myself a light salad and that salad can be $2.00 or $3.00... A little spinach, a few cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, some chicken breast pecans and raisins or cranberries and that's a nice little meal with there with the dressing on the side.  Often times I can get lunch and dinner with some organic fruit a few snacks and drinks for $20.00 or less.  The key thing is I create my schedule so that I make the time to eat well and I sure as hell don't stand in front of the kitchen cooking all of the time either.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Via Garibaldi 8

[peacemak3r 1,351]

I for one am against these type of laws.  Why?  It should be choice.  If they want to get fat and get sick from it, so be it.  If they don't and want to change, congrats to them.

 

Also with realizm's note, yeah I know a few people like that.  They'll eat a lot of fatty foods and such and still look like a chopstick where even a little bit of food and I'll look like the Pillsbury dough boy.

 

I for one am trying to watch what I eat, I can't change with a snap of fingers but I stopped eating fast foods for one.

[Orion VII 4 Life 1,062]

Good for them, in America you can't tell someone what they can or can't eat/drink. I don't get why they had to ban calorie counts being posted though, that's not doing anything but informing people and i'm all for it.

[B35 via Church 9,405]

Fun fact: Keep in mind ppl that some people have high metabolisms. They can consume large meals and it has no effect on their IBW, BP levels, sodium, glucose, and cholesterol levels. Especially if they are always in high levels of activity and/or have regular exercise routines.

 

**Oh to add: And if such persons sleep well (7 hours or more). Sleep deprivation can adversely cause a person to become obese.

High metabolism... yep, I fall into this category....

(the sleeping well part though is a different story)

 

Makes sense because I do, do things at a faster rate than your average person (not including walking some 9 mph, but still... Lol)..... It is hard for me to put on weight, but I have no problem losing weight ....

 

Also, ever since childhood, I have this habit of swallowing food w/o doing a lot of chewing... So I don't really "enjoy" what I eat (well, to the tune that I have heard other say they enjoy theirs) - I just consume it...... Don't get me wrong, I don't eat just anything (on the contrary, b/c I'm VERY picky w/ what I eat), but although I like certain foods, I don't quote-unquote enjoy eating what I do.... To someone that doesn't understand, it's not gonna make sense, but it is what it is with me.... Always has been.....

Edited March 13, 2013 by B35 via Church

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

I for one am against these type of laws.  Why?  It should be choice.  If they want to get fat and get sick from it, so be it.  If they don't and want to change, congrats to them.

 

Also with realizm's note, yeah I know a few people like that.  They'll eat a lot of fatty foods and such and still look like a chopstick where even a little bit of food and I'll look like the Pillsbury dough boy.

 

I for one am trying to watch what I eat, I can't change with a snap of fingers but I stopped eating fast foods for one.

I agree but it should be at their own expense not on the expense of other Americans nor our economy.

 

Good for them, in America you can't tell someone what they can or can't eat/drink. I don't get why they had to ban calorie counts being posted though, that's not doing anything but informing people and i'm all for it.

Actually people are manipulated as to what to eat and not eat every day, which is often dictated by how much money someone has, so in a way people are still being told what to eat by what's in their pockets.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Via Garibaldi 8

[Guest Charles]

I for one am against these type of laws.  Why?  It should be choice.  If they want to get fat and get sick from it, so be it.  If they don't and want to change, congrats to them.

 

Also with realizm's note, yeah I know a few people like that.  They'll eat a lot of fatty foods and such and still look like a chopstick where even a little bit of food and I'll look like the Pillsbury dough boy.

 

I for one am trying to watch what I eat, I can't change with a snap of fingers but I stopped eating fast foods for one.

 

I'm usually with you on topics like these, but since this is a health-related issue, and with all the headlines healthcare is making in the news, the last thing we need is for taxpayers to cover even more for those who can't afford it. It's just a pure shame that some people will process even the slightest bit of regulation into "lord help us all the usa is a socialist trashbin for crazy leftists" and they fail to see the ultimate benefits.

 

I agree but it should be at their own expense not on the expense of other Americans nor our economy.

 

Actually people are manipulated as to what to eat and not eat every day, which is often dictated by how much money someone has, so in a way people are still being told what to eat by what's in their pockets.

Beat me right to it. I think portion control absolutely has to be the biggest factor contributing to obesity. Exercise is obviously important, but often there's factors that prevent us from reaching those goals. Food, on the other hand, is an everyday good. You make a conscious choice every day regarding how much food you eat (and, its corollary, like you said, how much you spend), and cutting down your junk intake has to significantly help.

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

I'm usually with you on topics like these, but since this is a health-related issue, and with all the headlines healthcare is making in the news, the last thing we need is for taxpayers to cover even more for those who can't afford it. It's just a pure shame that some people will process even the slightest bit of regulation into "lord help us all the usa is a socialist trashbin for crazy leftists" and they fail to see the ultimate benefits.

 

Beat me right to it. I think portion control absolutely has to be the biggest factor contributing to obesity. Exercise is obviously important, but often there's factors that prevent us from reaching those goals. Food, on the other hand, is an everyday good. You make a conscious choice every day regarding how much food you eat (and, its corollary, like you said, how much you spend), and cutting down your junk intake has to significantly help.

My sentiments exactly... There is a time in which the government must step in and ACT.  I don't like the idea of the government meddling in my business either, but unfortunately, many Americans REFUSE to take responsibility and discipline themselves to eat properly as they're supposed to as responsible, mature ADULTS.  If that were being done, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.  There is no question that the government shouldn't be involved with nonsense like this but they've been forced to do something because we are literally in a crisis right now, which either people refuse to accept or fail to realize.  

 

Some people really think this situation is cute and funny, but it really isn't.  This obesity epidemic is destroying our economy and may have a serious impact on the future viability of American jobs.  Other countries will not want to invest in this country if its workers' ability to be productive continue to slide due to health problems mainly caused by being overweight. Some people are so fat that they can barely get to and from work, let alone be actually productive at work.  That's ridiculous.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Via Garibaldi 8

[peacemak3r 1,351]

I know where you guys (VG8, Charles) is coming from with this topic and tax payers.  But I feel even with a law in place and what not, people will find loop holes and still "steal" our tax paying money.

[realizm 4,456]

High metabolism... yep, I fall into this category....

(the sleeping well part though is a different story)

 

Makes sense because I do, do things at a faster rate than your average person (not including walking some 9 mph, but still... Lol)..... It is hard for me to put on weight, but I have no problem losing weight ....

 

Also, ever since childhood, I have this habit of swallowing food w/o doing a lot of chewing... So I don't really "enjoy" what I eat (well, to the tune that I have heard other say they enjoy theirs) - I just consume it...... Don't get me wrong, I don't eat just anything (on the contrary, b/c I'm VERY picky w/ what I eat), but although I like certain foods, I don't quote-unquote enjoy eating what I do.... To someone that doesn't understand, it's not gonna make sense, but it is what it is with me.... Always has been.....

 

Makes sense to me. Count me in.

 

I got a high metabolism, standing at 5'11 and always staying at 190 LBS in change but heavy-boned. Very hyper in body and mind. (Man, in soul too no doubt) I always had that habit of swallowing my food and cleaning the plate like a starving dog. Yet I don't really gain weight only fluctuating gaining or losing a pound but that's it depending on my daily routine, probably water weight. One of the reasons is because I eat breakfast every day, hearty lunch and usually a light dinner. (Usually unless I walk home to a ill dinner that gets me eating until I hurt myself). Usually I only drink water, coffee .....

 

Or beer. 

 

 

I was very picky about seafood once upon a time and would only eat tuna until recently when I finally got used to the taste, now I love baked salmon, fish, clams and all that good stuff. Yum!

 

Hmmm... their diet seems to be full of fried stuff. Maybe a small change in diet or more alternatives would work.

 And BBQ!!! Again light dindin unless if I walk home an ill dinner like BBQ with potato salad I'm done lol.

 

 

 

That and I'm sure they drink tons of soda and other crap too...

 Which is why I drink water..... 

 

Or beer 

Edited March 13, 2013 by realizm

[aemoreira81 965]

Almost something with which I can agree; however, I cannot agree with the parts that violate home rule...such as mandating calorie counts and restricting the ability of a jurisdiction to zone out restaurants. Mandating caloric count postings is not a restriction. Had this just been a restriction on nanny-statism, I'd have said more power to them.

 

The government has a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves, but they cannot save people who cannot get out of their own way.

Edited March 14, 2013 by aemoreira81

[BM5 via Woodhaven 5,155]

This is like saying Imma move to Newark to avoid street violence and gang activity. SMH

[Fresh Pond 5,363]

 

Makes sense to me. Count me in.

 

I got a high metabolism, standing at 5'11 and always staying at 190 LBS in change but heavy-boned. Very hyper in body and mind. (Man, in soul too no doubt) I always had that habit of swallowing my food and cleaning the plate like a starving dog. Yet I don't really gain weight only fluctuating gaining or losing a pound but that's it depending on my daily routine, probably water weight. One of the reasons is because I eat breakfast every day, hearty lunch and usually a light dinner. (Usually unless I walk home to a ill dinner that gets me eating until I hurt myself). Usually I only drink water, coffee .....

 

Or beer.

 

 

I was very picky about seafood once upon a time and would only eat tuna until recently when I finally got used to the taste, now I love baked salmon, fish, clams and all that good stuff. Yum!

 

 

And BBQ!!! Again light dindin unless if I walk home an ill dinner like BBQ with potato salad I'm done lol.

 

 

 

 

Which is why I drink water.....

 

Or beer

Dude I'm 6'3" and I'm only 145. I eat like a fat kid in a chocolate factory and I gain almost no weight lol. Since this year stated I only gained 1 pound

[Turbo19 2,509]

Dude I'm 6'3" and I'm only 145. I eat like a fat kid in a chocolate factory and I gain almost no weight lol. Since this year stated I only gained 1 pound

Damn, you must be a twig, lol.

 

In all seriousness, this law is as ludicrous as the one Bloomberg proposed. At what point can we let people take control of their damn life. This type of regulation accomplishes very little and on top of that I would be suprised if it hit citizens in their pockets.

[Urbanfortitude 123]

Anti-nanny state laws? Sure why not.  What bloomberg tried to do was absurd and I'm not even someone who consumes large amounts of sugary substances.  The government needs to find better things to do like...actually doing their job and fixing things that need fixing and...not trying to rewrite the rules for illegal 3rd terms.

[realizm 4,456]

Dude I'm 6'3" and I'm only 145. I eat like a fat kid in a chocolate factory and I gain almost no weight lol. Since this year stated I only gained 1 pound

 

I lost weight actually the last time I saw my doctor, lost 3 pounds but this is natural for me, because of the change of seasons where i would naturally be much more active. Not sure if this happens with all ppl but this is what happens with me. Not complaining about it. 

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

Damn, you must be a twig, lol.

 

In all seriousness, this law is as ludicrous as the one Bloomberg proposed. At what point can we let people take control of their damn life. This type of regulation accomplishes very little and on top of that I would be suprised if it hit citizens in their pockets.

You do understand that the law they're passing is the complete opposite of what Bloomberg proposed right?

 

Anti-nanny state laws? Sure why not.  What bloomberg tried to do was absurd and I'm not even someone who consumes large amounts of sugary substances.  The government needs to find better things to do like...actually doing their job and fixing things that need fixing and...not trying to rewrite the rules for illegal 3rd terms.

So in other words, you're perfectly fine with people drinking themselves into oblivion just because they can and us paying for it with higher healthcare premiums and taxes???

[Minato ku 631]

Dude I'm 6'3" and I'm only 145. I eat like a fat kid in a chocolate factory and I gain almost no weight lol. Since this year stated I only gained 1 pound

I am a bit the same. I am 5'6 and I weight less than 110.

I eat healthy foods for main meals but I eat a lot of chocalate, candies and chips outside my main meals.

I need sugar to think, so I always have something to eat at my office.

[Via Garibaldi 8 8,580]

I am a bit the same. I am 5'6 and I weight less than 110.

I eat healthy foods for main meals but I eat a lot of chocalate, candies and chips outside my main meals.

I need sugar to think, so I always have something to eat at my office.

lol... Well I'm the same way... I had a spinach, pecan, carrot, cherry tomato and raisin salad today made by moi from Whole Foods with some roasted garlic salad dressing and water (spring water and some left over Apollinaris sparkling water) and then for snacks I had Kambly "Florentin cookies" from Switzerland and some Veggie Chips. Let me tell you those milk chocolate and almond caramelized cookies were addictive... Ate the whole box. 

Edited March 15, 2013 by Via Garibaldi 8

[Turbo19 2,509]

You do understand that the law they're passing is the complete opposite of what Bloomberg proposed right?

I'm in full understanding of that. What I'm trying to say is that goverment from both sides should just back off from the issue. Mississippi isn't helping the situation whatsoever by the passage of this law.