[objektif]

I agree with you that this does not address the underlying issue. But root cause you speak of may not really be that simple to fix. Is the root cause people spend much more time in their offices working and hence are more inactive? Is it the crappy American diet?

For example, many people around me gained weight after they became parents. Especially women after birth. It is just insanely difficult to work hard in an office job, take care of young kids and exercise etc all at the same time. As you age things get very difficult as well. I eat significantly less than what I used to just few years ago but still have 5-10lbs extra.