title: Obesity, fast food manufacture, and regulation: revisiting opportunities for reform.
abstract: Regulations have historically been able to shape public behavior in various ways. As poor dietary practices and obesity continue to pose major health and economic threats to society, attention will continue to be directed towards the ethical and legal responsibilities of fast food manufacturers as potential contributors to these problems. In light of these considerations, several opportunities emerge that may impact dietary behavior and obesity through regulation of the fast food industry. This article addresses the health consequences of fast food consumption, as well as the historical and legal contexts of fast food regulation in the United States.
authors.forename: Haitham M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000329:Advertising / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002648:Child; D003256:Community Participation; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D057140:Fast Foods / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019649:Food Industry / Q000941:ethics / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033161:Government Regulation / Q000266:history; D015438:Health Behavior; D018166:Health Care Reform; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D040541:Marketing / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013660:Taxes; D014026:Nicotiana; D014481:United States