CDC calls for more government intervention to battle 'chronic disease,' obesity

Monday, July 30, 2012 by: Melissa Melton
Tags: CDC, government intervention, chronic disease

(NaturalNews) So far, 2012 has offered vast federal nanny state expansion at the American dinner table. From officials inspecting home-prepared school lunches to the war on raw milk, our government is determined to tell America what we can and cannot eat. Now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is openly demanding policy interventions to fight the "chronic disease," obesity.

In the latest issue of the CDC's Preventing Chronic Disease, "An Evaluation Framework for Obesity Prevention Policy Interventions" calls for "interventions that extend beyond individual behaviors" to combat obesity. Some methods involve "the need for policy action to create healthier environments" and implementation that "may include activity at multiple levels of the executive branch of government." The article reinforces the idea that we, as mere individuals, cannot make healthy lifestyle changes, so we need the government to do it for us.

Poisoning People for Profit

There is no doubt food directly impacts health. However, the CDC's new framework fails to consider (or even mention) several proven obesity contributors.

Many American-grown crops are now genetically engineered, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) comprise 70 percent of most American grocery store fare. Studies continue to highlight GMO consumption's ill effects on major animal organ systems and processes. Monsanto's Roundup Ready crops have been altered to withstand the popular Monsanto herbicide glyphosate. Aside from significantly depleting food mineral content, glyphosate residue also kills healthy digestive system bacteria. Research has linked poor gut health to obesity. In addition, despite polls showing most Americans want GMOs labeled, federal regulatory officials continue to stonewall it. Seemingly ignoring public concern, President Obama appointed ex-Monsanto VP Michael Taylor as senior adviser for the Food and Drug Administration in 2009.

While genetically engineered foods can tip the scales, food packaging materials may also contribute to obesity. A recently released study concluded obese children tend to have had greater exposure to phthalate - an industrial chemical found in everything from plastic packaging to hygiene products - than non-obese kids. According to study co-author Dr. Mi Jung Park, MD, PhD, phthalates can alter gene expression linked to fat metabolism.

Although NYC Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a ban on sugary drinks over 16 ounces to enforce healthier choices, it exempts diet beverages that contain addictive chemical sweeteners such as Aspartame which have proven obesity ties. Studies have shown that digestion of the free methyl alcohol in Aspartame produces cell-accumulating formaldehyde. Such toxicity is particularly raised in the liver, thus impeding one's ability to break down fats and increasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Aspartame also inhibits serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can curb carbohydrate cravings to limit over-consumption.

Speaking of serotonin, recent CDC figures show roughly 11 percent of Americans take prescription antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs cause a slew of side effects including increased appetite and weight gain.

All of the industries mentioned above come complete with a team of government lobbyists backed by millions of dollars. If the CDC wants more government guidelines, how come none of them call for increased regulation of big businesses that make products with proven correlations to obesity? Is the financial bottom line ultimately more important than our waistlines?

More and more, government force is forcing Americans to give up our right to choose what we eat. Instead of calling for more random policy to control American obesity, perhaps the CDC should face the mountain of evidence on obesity causes, and stick to its mission of protecting health, not profits.

Sources:

http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0322.htm?s_cid=pcd9e120_e
http://naturalsociety.com
http://www.enveurope.com/content/23/1/10
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120626113915.htm
http://www.rense.com/general82/assp.htm
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com

About the author:
Melissa Melton holds a master's degree in Criminology, and she is a researcher, writer, and passionate advocate for justice and truth in media. Her blog is truthstreammedia.com.