Economics
America Must Stop Exporting Obesity
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The New Year’s holiday always brings resolutions to eat and drink better, often followed quickly by failure and remorse. For some U.S. companies that profit from overconsumption, the good news is that more of the world is joining the average American in gluttony.
Fast food, obesity, and the market for drugs to treat obesity-related health problems are spreading worldwide. U.S. policy makers should support the developing world in the fight against obesity, not try to use trade rules to support fat-profiting companies. They haven’t done that yet, but the history of U.S. trade deals suggests they might start soon.