Michael Pollan's book (and the article) are very enlightening. Another along the same theme is Marion Nestle's "Food Politics" (a few years older, so I found it at the library)(her website has lots of good info and links too). It's actually shocking how much the government/politicians/lobbyists can affect an entire nation's food supply and education (both in a bad way). Subsidies are provided to major industries such as dairy, meat, and corn, while farmers that concentrate on organic methods, fruits & vegetables, etc don't get the same benefit (perhaps they don't have the lobbyists in DC - whispering (or shouting) in the politicians-who-want-votes ears). Even worse than the financial and supply effects (to me) are the ways that these "industries of influence" can totally skew the government-provided recommendations, such as the Dietary Guidelines (published every 5 years), and even such basics as the food "pyramid" (which used to be a square) that is TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS! (One or both of the books mentioned cover the sad history). Nutritionists contribute valuable, up-to-date information, but by the time the "influencers" are done with it (erasing or manipulating anything that might hurt the image of their protected industries), it is worse than giving no guidelines at all...it confuses people of all ages, and often convinces them that unhealthy foods (or amounts) are in fact ok.
So is it the individual's responsibility to maintain proper weight/health? Or the government's? Here is a link to one article showing both sides:
http://www.foodpolitics.com/pdf/areyouresponsible.pdf
Anyway, the heavy 7 yr old is an extreme example, but what's more alarming is how many children (and adults) are not far behind, but are NOT getting attention because it is quickly becoming the norm...as it becomes more prevalent people just accept it, regardless of the clear longterm health consequences (and associated costs). Some of them don't know better, because they never learned, or were deliberately misinformed (by food companies, AND the government)...others DO know at least the general idea of what is good for them (exercise more, eat healthy, whole food/not in excess, etc) but choose NOT to follow that path (either blatantly, or more commonly by not making enough effort to change, allowing excuses to justify their inaction). And certainly these people are not helped by the profusion of techo-foodlike-products that appear to offer convenience, time savings, and even boast absurd "health" claims to market them.
Certainly almost no one wants (or needs) to eat perfectly all them time...there is room for an occasional small techo-treat or high sat-fat indulgence without incurring guilt for someone maintaining a mostly healthy lifestyle. (And for the few that do it without the treats AND not feel deprived/unhappy, that's terrific)(My happiness factor increases exponentially with good, dark chocolate, so I'm not in that category!).
I agree with the posters that suggested education and help for that family. As for those that do have the knowledge, and deliberately or passively don't use it...I'm not sure anyone knows how to improve that situation overall. Per the NY Times article, the government could redirect its resources to help instead of hurt, or at least stay out of it. On a much smaller level, those who have found a way to live healthfully can probably help the most by sharing their experiences with others and encouraging them (like a lot of people do on these forums). It may (or may not) convert the entire nation or planet, but each improved life is a success in itself, and could touch many more.
