What's up with Obesity?

Time for a far-fetched conspiracy... I was reading an article discussing possible government regulation regarding food in order to lower America's obesity rate. Out on the table are resolutions discussing a 'fat tax' on fattening foods, warning labels on sodas, and things as plain Jane as obesity education. Here's my take on it. The problem is everywhere. I admit, a fat tax will get people away from fattening food, a warning label on sodas may help espescially with the wide use of high fructose corn syrup, and education is always a nice bonus. But the reality is that the problem is cultural, and it will take more than education, warning labels, or money. But on to the culture: The problem comes down to our culture as a whole in regards with diet and exercise. First, food is based on a surplus idea. You go to the restaurant, and they give you portions larger than you need. You hear these things about waste not? So, in order to stretch your dollar, you notch your belt, and keep eating past full. Hear that? Past full. You eat, not until you're no longer hungry, but until you're either full, or overfull. Too large an intake of calories. Second, America is an MDC, yes? Which means that our economy has moved primarily into the tertiary structures, so jobs revolve more and more around sitting at a desk and performing some small tasks all day long. Too little excersise. So because we spend more hours a day working than any other MDC, we get tired, and come home, and the last thing we want to do is cook a meal. So, we stop at a fast food place and pick up some fattening fast food. Lifestyle leading to unhealthy dietary choices. Then, the last thing we want to do is do more work, such as excersise, so, we lounge back in the armchair, turn on TV, eat your fries, and leave your evening at that. Once again, it's your lifestyle leading to unhealthy excersise habits. And finally, take a look at theleading articifial sweetner---high fructose corn syrup. Cheap and sweet---does the job well. Problem? It's more readily converted to fat than real sugar, and fails to trigger the same bodily responses that regular sugar would. So, now. How many sodas do you drink a day? 3-4? 4-5? 5-6? Calories snuck in to places for capital gain. There. I said it. Everything in bold, that's what you need to know. The circumstances are in your day to day life. And, what's more important, in my opinion... high fructose corn syrup wasn't widely used by soda companies until the 80's. *Plot twist* Now. I have nothing else to say. You see those reasons? That's what you need to know, and in order to fix the problem, that's where you need to start. Personally, I recommend taking a look at HFCS in the market, and the oversized portions offered at restaurants.