Very interesting article in today's NYT about a new law to take effect in New York City requiring restaurant chains to post calorie contents of foods in noticeable places. Apparently the head of the Obesity Society (whatever that is, I've never heard of it) says this rule could actually backfire causing people to overeat later in their day or making those foods more appealing as "forbidden fruits." He is against the law.
I do not agree with that guy--to put it bluntly. I think that his thinking underestimates the importance of giving people the information they need to make choices. Having the calorie contents available lets people start to become more aware of what they are putting into their body. They are not banned from still buying those foods--just as cigarette smokers still buy packages that have warning labels of how hazardous smoking is all over them. Having the calorie content of foods more available may also encourage these chain restaurant owners to be more embarrassed of the horrendous foods they sell to make themselves wealthy (while building up a huge obesity problem in society). Then maybe they will rethink having quadruple cheese burgers with bacon on the menu. They may also be more likely to atleast add more lower calorie and healthier options.
Read the article for yourself at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/business/16obese.html?th&emc=th
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