Obesity in Illinois

I was surprised to read today in the local paper that Illinois ranks 4th in the country for obese children, after Mississippi, Georgia, and Kentucky. Wow, we're really near the bottom on this problem.

My first thought is that we need to sever the ubiquitous school relationship with McDonalds, one of the biggest peddlers of junk food to our nation's children. I've spoken with union leaders and teachers before on this issue, and sometimes it is mentioned that McDonald's provides money and resources to schools. But that is precisely the problem. Short of public funds, schools are forced to accept money from McDonald's and then end up promoting the company and its terrible food. Others I've spoken to claim that McDonald's food in moderation is okay. I beg to differ. McDonald's food is full of fat and sugar, contributing to obesity, and these substances are highly addictive. Kid end up craving the fat and sugar and continue to do so into adulthood. Educating our children on eating healthy must involve early habituation in good habits, which means cutting out fast food and junk.