The United States is the most obese country in the world. Here in America, obesity is considered a common disease and a prevalent epidemic. But unlike many other diseases or epidemics, obesity is something that we as individuals can control.

The CDC estimates that obesity costs billions of dollars annually. According to CNN News last week, New York proposed to ban artificial trans fat. On the same day, researchers here at Vanderbilt released a study revealing how many Americans had difficulties interpreting and understanding food labels.

Though New York is taking an initiative to combat obesity, banning certain types of food will not solve the problem. The problem of obesity cannot all be blamed on the ingredients of food. It does not entirely depend on what people eat, but sometimes it is how much they eat. Moderation is important and should be taught to children while young enough to develop lifelong habits.

A huge problem with obesity lies in the lack of knowledge of health. Many Americans are not highly informed of healthy alternatives, exercise and food labels as shown by research done here. Even highly educated individuals struggled to interpret food labels. Many people commonly over look the serving size, which is important in determining the nutrition information.

Eliminating an unhealthy ingredient is good initiative towards exterminating obesity, but more actions should be taken to educate people on their dietary decisions. The FDA is considering making changes to food labels so that people do not misinterpret nutrition information. Vanderbilt is offering healthier alternatives. Now children need to be more informed before they become yet another statistic of obesity.

-Wynne Duong