Researchers from Columbia University and Berkeley say they've proven that children attending schools near fast-food restaurants have higher-than-average obesity rates. Using data gathered from 1,047 California high schools over the course of eight years, the report [PDF] concludes that among 9th grade children, a fast food restaurant within a tenth of a mile of a school is associated with at least a 5.2 percent increase in obesity rates.
In response to the report's findings, Queens Councilman Eric "Jeopardy" Gioia is proposing a bill that would prohibit fast-food restaurants from opening within one-tenth of a mile of NYC schools. At a press conference yesterday, Gioia said the proposal—which would only ban new fast-food joints, not existing ones—should be just one tactic in a multi-front war against childhood obesity (he'd also like to see easier access to food stamps and more greenmarkets in low-income neighborhoods).
Gioia was joined yesterday by MeMe Roth, president of National Action Against Obesity, who told reporters, "You should imagine them as they age. They’re going to be pricking their fingers off and on all day long, checking their blood sugar. Toes and feet will be amputated. Many of these kids go on to have blindness. That’s why we need to do at least this." But Rick Berman, executive director of the Center for Consumer Freedom, has a few problems with the plan, telling the Times, "It’s the exercise and energy equation that has a whole lot more to do with obesity than people eating a hamburger or salad. And quite frankly, salads are available at fast-food restaurants." Of course, this is the same industry group that dismisses America's obesity epidemic as "hype."
