The growing obesity issue

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and fast-food restaurants but

individuals really are responsible.

Alarmed at America's growing obesity problem, some members of the World Health Organization are calling for regulatory measures against junk food. The proposed initiatives are similar to those used against tobacco — higher taxes and advertising limits.

But the comparison with tobacco is faulty. People don't have to smoke, but they do have to eat to live. Tobacco, when used as intended, is deadly. That's not the case with food — even junk food.

America's obesity problem is caused not by junk food, but by the overconsumption of junk food — and a lack of exercise. With their aggressive marketing, it's easy to blame snack-food companies and fast-food restaurants for America's obesity epidemic, but the real fault lies with individuals.

It's true, of course, that some people are genetically predisposed to being overweight and others have tremendous difficulty making healthy choices. But the problem is best addressed through public education. Already such efforts seem to be working: some fast-food restaurants offer their customers salads and fruit; some snack-food companies are working to improve their selections.

Even here in the South — the home of fried fatty foods and heart disease — many restaurants have expanded their offerings to include healthy choices. Likewise, the popularity of the Atkins diet has prompted grocery stores to offer low-carb foods. Vegetarian selections also have expanded at supermarkets.

Granted, health advocates are right to draw attention to the problem of obesity. An estimated 67 percent of American men and 62 percent of American women are overweight. They're far more susceptible than healthier adults to life-shortening illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and other chronic maladies. Obesity costs the United States an estimated $125 billion a year in health care and other bills.

Moreover, adults appear to be passing on their bad habits to young people. An estimated 13 percent of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. That's more than double the number two decades ago.

Certainly government at all levels should step up public education efforts. The federal government already spends $125 million on "healthy lifestyles" promotion.

Schools can do more as well, offering more physical education classes and health instruction. Cafeterias could improve their menus. Schools should limit the number of vending machines on campus. Local governments could do a much better job of providing recreational amenities — bike trails, walking trails, ballparks, tennis courts and other recreational facilities.

The real antidote for obesity is not misplaced taxes and regulation but education, good parenting and personal responsibility.