Food is now a commodity to be bought and sold for a high profit, and like any other commodity, this means marketing and advertising to create a need where one might not exist. Yes, we need food but we don't need endless snacks, cookies, crackers, fast food, pizza, monstrous portions of fries, sugary soda, etc.

At the same time, it's up to the consumer to decide how they'll respond to advertising, so they're not off the hook just because they're bombarded with ads for food they don't need.

wpdunn, you're just being ignorant. There is no government agenda or media BS in reports about obesity or hunger in the U.S. Those who have money to eat, fill up on garbage and junk. Those who don't have enough money may still be obese because they eat off the dollar menu; at the supermarket, a box of mac and cheese is cheaper than a salad. There are also plenty in the U.S. who don't have enough money for rent and groceries for their whole family, so don't be so quick to dismiss the idea that yes, you can have poverty and obesity at the same time.