I applaud Mayor Bloomberg's dedication and willingness to take a stand against opponents to the ban and all the name calling criticism he has received. At the same time, banning supersize soda alone misses the point.

We want our kids to eat well because we want them to be healthy, and we want them to be healthy because we love them. They need to know that -- and that job resides with families, not government. They need to know that they can wind up loving foods that love them back.

There's one barrier to overcoming childhood obesity that might be a surprise. Asthma. For more than 4 million children with uncontrolled asthma, the simple mantra of "eat less, move more" might be easier said than done.

Feet, forks, and fingers could reshape our personal medical destinies, and modern public health, dramatically, for the better. We have known this for decades. So why doesn't it happen?

A new study indicates that obese children and adolescents, as compared to their lean counterparts, have less sensitive taste buds. The researchers suggest that this difference in taste sensitivity may be an explanation for the development of obesity.

I imagine Gov. Christie feels the same way the majority of clients who first come into my office feel: that their situation is so far gone it's a lost cause.

The "war on obesity" is in desperate need of reframing and reconceptualization if it hopes to progress and fix some gargantuan wrongs.

Now that the New York City Board of Health has ratified Mayor Bloomberg's plan to ban sugar-sweetened beverages (well, some such beverages, really) larger than 16 oz., we should be able to answer the question: Is this a big deal?

Public health officials also have a role to play. They should culturally tailor educational programs for the Hispanic community about the dangers of overconsumption of sugar and high fructose corn syrup in particular.

No matter how the cycle begins, obesity and osteoarthritis are inextricably linked and must therefore be addressed together. Physical activity is key to reducing the risk of developing both, as well as countless other related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke.

The vast majority of Americans still consider their food choices as a personal matter and exercise of individual freedom that should not be regulated or interfered with. That's understandable, but the consequences are plain to see.