In The News: The Obesity Law

Obesity is the "talk of the town" in my home country of Argentina these days -- "the obesity law" went into effect late last week, "declaring obesity and other eating disorders diseases covered by the nation's public and private health care programs."

Another ruling? Much like cigarrettes -- and some alcoholic beverages -- foods high in calories must carry a sticker, warning that overeating is bad for general health.

The most interesting tidbit for me is the law's specific demand that advetised diets must be authorized by a medical professional.

This isn't too encouraging, though, since Argentine doctor Maximo Ravenna has hit the jackpot with a senseless, dangerous, and reckless very low calorie diet (we're talking 600 to 700 calories a day!)

Besides, many diets are created by doctors with little to no nutrition background, as perfectly evidenced right here in the US of A by Dr. D'Adamo and his very.... creative (?) Blood Type Diet.

One very encouraging result of this law is that nutrition education will begin to be implemented at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

That's really how I think significant change can be achieved.

After all, many people struggling to lose weight erroneously think that in order to reach their health goals they need to eat lettuce leaves drizzled in vinegar, or that the best way to shed the pounds is by never eating another slice of bread or avocado.

I do have to wonder, though, if the current healthcare system in Argentina can handle the increasing overweight and obese population.

Would you want a similar law passed in your country?