Professor Ramon Castellblanch (Op-ed article, Sept. 19) is absolutely right about the obesity epidemic, but his proposed solution is dead wrong. Lawsuits will only transfer money from the processed food industry to the lawyers and do nothing to help prevent obesity.

Short of "forcing" people to change their lifestyle, the government can put a tax on food just as it does for cigarettes and alcohol. A high-enough tax will discourage consumption and the proceeds can be used to help defray the costs of treating obesity. Such a tax would also encourage people to grow their own food in gardens, where they would necessarily work off some of the calories they put into their bodies. This would also be a wonderful family activity and might very well reduce the crime, drug and out-of-wedlock pregnancy epidemics, as people/teenagers wouldn't have as much time and energy to engage in these activities, which are largely a product of boredom.

The next best and complementary solution would be for health insurance companies to base their premiums on a per pound basis, or a percent overweight basis. This will provide an economic incentive for people to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Short of this and Armageddon, other efforts are doomed to fail.

Charles Branch

New Bern

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.