NPR's Morning Edition reports on changes in diet and obesity in Mediterranean countries, complete with this zinger:
For the first time in history, today's children are predicted to live shorter lives than their parents. And the Italian Ministry of Health is worried. Health officials say the obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, and the TV campaigns "make it easier to make healthy choices."
I'm not sure I believe the first sentence, but I would agree that the effect of rising obesity on longevity is a point of great interest. The article points out how the price of the Mediterranean diet is higher than it was, but I think what is meant by that is probably (a) the price relative to the alternative, and (b) the price including a source of protein like fish, rather than more vegetables and grains as the diet probably was heavier in.
