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The purpose of government is to create infrastructure, make and enforce laws, and protect it's citizens. Our taxes support the government so the things we cannot do for ourselves get done. So, do I think the government should be responsible our personal choices such as what and how much we eat? No, unless it affects others and in this case it does.

Diseases related to unhealthy lifestyles are a strain on the health-care system, not to mention the impact of lost manpower in the workplace due to related illnesses. These things create a domino effect if occurring on a large basis. Both private and government sponsored health-care are becomming overwhelmed by this personal choice of a unhealthy lifestyle. The impact to the individual will appear as higher insurance premiums, lack of good and/or timely health-care, and higher demand for and decreased supply of healthy donor organs. Not to mention the potential for reduction in the quality of insurance employers will be able to provide. Long term, the additional financial strain on businesses will become apparent in the consumer marketplace in the form of higher prices.

I am not suggesting the government forbid the operation of establishments that do not meet strict nutritional requirements. Where then would I get my occasional Big Mac. The responsibility the government must own is holding these businesses accountable for informing the consumer. There must be increased backing of early education in health and nutrition. Our government can't do much to change the 30 year old man who eats 9 or more fast-food meals a week and weighs 300 pounds; They sure need to do something about the 120 pound 7 year old he is taking with him.

Learn more about this author, Jeffrey East.
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