Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the number of deaths due to obesity is on an alarming rise, while the number of deaths due to tobacco use is on the decline.

The study confirms that 400,000 people died due to weight problems in 2000, over 100,000 more than in 1990. By next year the numbers are projected to be in the range of 500,000.

The widespread pattern of inactivity along with poor eating habits is effectively increasing America's waistbands and clogging its arteries.
In reaction to the study, the White House announced a new public education program, which includes humorous advertisements to encourage people to take small steps to lose weight. The NIH and the FDA are also proposing plans to deal with the new information.

Critics have said these moves are not enough, calling for the food industry to change its products and stop advertising junk food to children.

"If we just count on the American population to change their eating habits and exercise habits, we're going to continue to have obesity," said Richard L. Atkinson, president of the American Obesity Association. "What we're doing is not working."

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