The surgeon general reported last week that obesity may surpass tobacco as the primary cause of preventable fatalities. Dr. Davis Satcher announced that over 300,000 people die every year from obesity-related illnesses. According to nutritionists, Americans are getting fatter by forgoing fruits and vegetables and replacing them with high calorie junk foods.

Sixty percent of adults and thirteen percent of children are overweight. The surgeon general called on schools to promote healthier alternatives in their cafeterias and to institute mandatory physical education classes for students. In addition, Dr. Satcher encouraged communities to build better playgrounds, walking trails and sidewalks.