Researchers admit survey important “first step” for policy makers

Another wave of news stories (all exactly alike) have hit over recent days, repeating the claim that most Americans support government policies to fight “obesity” in the U.S.

This story is based on the survey published in this month’s issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, which was discussed here at Junkfood Science. Science News just picked up the Reuters Health story, taken from a press release, and readers will notice an interesting difference from earlier versions, providing confirmation to the cautions noted in the Junkfood Science review.

The authors of the survey admit their survey is part of a marketing effort.

As the story writes: “Fuemmeler and his colleagues conclude that their finding of a ‘high level of support’ ... are important for policymakers, and may offer a ‘first step’ toward implementing such policies.”