Do people get cancer because they are obese? If not, then why do we need to take away the cancer patient's chocolates?
Simply put, the key difference is responsibility - children are much more susceptible to external influences whereas I feel that adults who want to vote should be able to make an intelligent decision about eating chocolate.
Two things:
1) There is growing evidence to support the thesis that poor diet is linked to certain cancers as well as obesity;
2) Responsibility comes from education and understanding - where certain food manufacturers have pulled the proverbial wool over people's eyes for many decades, can people be blamed for making the wrong choices?
For example, Kellogs have recently introduced a new version of Rice Krispies that's marketed as being a healthy choice because it contains 'wholegrains'. We bought a packet because we wanted the special offer currently being promoted for places like Legoland, etc., but when we tried what's inside we quickly realised that there's probably more nutrition to be had from eating the cardboard box... BUT you have to study the ingredients and nutrional information AND understand what this means to know just how unhealthy the cereal is...
It's not just the individual who is responsible: why is it that Kelloggs do not market their special offers on AllBran and Bran Flakes packets, but only the high-carb, Hi-GI cereals such as Cornflakes, Rice Krispies and Frosties???
My daughters don't buy the cereals (they're 3 years and 6 months old), but if I want to buy something that lowers the cost of entry for a family day out, the bad choice is forced upon me because I cannot choose to buy AllBran if I want the special offer
