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by notvladputin 3918 days ago
I'm confused by your comments, and am asking for clarification of your perspective. What exactly is your point?

While 20% of the population still smokes, the incidence rate has hugely decreased over time[0].

According to the CDC, in 1965, ~43% of the population smoked. In 2011, it was just under 20%, with a goal of 12% by 2020.

Transparent labeling, increased regulation and awareness, plus general advances in understanding the consequences of smoking have had a massive effect on the rates of smoking. It's not perfect, but a similar reduction in obesity over the next 50 years would be an incredible accomplishment.

Now if only we could tackle that burgeoning mental health problem...

[0] - http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/tables/trends/cig...