Everyone knows that there are a lot of overweight people around. While the causes may seem somewhat obvious, the truth is, there are many variables that contribute to obesity. Sure- we eat too much, we eat the wrong things and we don't exercise. But Popkin takes a deeper look and examines the changes in society, the food industry and our habits that all contribute to our growing waistlines. He spends a fair bit of text bad mouthing soda (rightfully so), but perhaps the most interesting part is his take on several "trusted authorities" on nutrition.
"The American Dietetic Association is funded by many food companies and, I argue, views nutrition through the lens of the food industry. As the accrediting body for registered dietitians and university programs, the association has a great deal of power over its profession... this association has been working with the soft drink industry and ignoring the negative effects of their products. At a time of great interest in and controversy about the role of soft drinks in our schools and our lives- and with numerous meta-analyses and other studies on this topic- they have retained old, and what I think are somewhat dangerous guidelines. They often cite industry-funded studies but seldom cite opponents of their positions and meta-analyses. This organization uses research biased toward the food company or industry that is funding them."
Popkin goes on to cite questionable tactics of the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation. Admirably, Popkin doesn't simply thrash these groups for their dubious relationships with the food industry. Rather, he points out the difficulty in discerning truth. Science and industry have merged and there are serious consequences.
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