Obesity and Weight Loss Initiative In New York- Uncle Sam weighs-in on the side of the people

The ruling today by U.S District Judge Richard J. Holwell in lower Manhattan, marks a new beginning by the city of New York in her fight against obesity. In his commentary, Judge

Holwell observed that more than half of the population of New York is overweight or obese. He further noted that much of this obesity can be attributed to the city’s restaurant chains.

In tandem with Judge Holwell’s ruling, Thomas Frieden, city health commissioner, is of the opinion that about 150,000 New Yorkers will be saved from obesity and another 30,000 from
diabetes as a result of this landmark ruling.

Austin Akalanze from http://www.weight-loss-for-women.net/loose-weight, an Internet content publisher on weight loss says that, "Calorie count is a legitimate means of weight loss and weight management, as it has been reported that just a reduction in daily calorie intake by
100 calories can lead to a meaningful weight loss".

Reacting to the ruling by District Judge Holwell, Chuck Hunt, executive vice president of the restaurant association’s chapter in the city has this to say, “We don’t object to people doing it voluntarily, our problem was the government agency forcing them to do it. We think restaurants should be able to determine from their customers how they want to get the information.” Mr. Hunt also hinted he would ask Judge Holwell to stay his ruling until after
their appeal.

At issue is the way information about the caloric content of the food served at the restaurant chains in New York are presented. On the one hand, the city is of the opinion that this information should be presented in the same “font and format used to display the name or price of the menu item”, on the other hand, Chuck Hunt speaking for the city’s restaurant association chapter maintains this is violation of free speech.

Affected by Judge Holwell’s ruling are restaurant chains with 15 or more outlets. The city says enforcement will be stayed until June of 2008.

There is the concern among restaurant association chapters that as a result of this ruling, other municipalities may follow in the path of the Manhattan ruling.

You can Visit Austin Akalanze’s Weight Loss For Women website at
http://www.weight-loss-for-women.net

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