The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released two-dozen recommendations to communities stating how to implement better programs and policies to slim people down. The percentage of obese adults is still rising, increasing to 26.1 percent last year.

A 3 day conference taking place right now in Washington D.C. is allowing the CDC to answer questions about what they are doing to make the United States healthier. One important question to think about is whether tackling the obesity problem so deeply may intrude the country’s restaurants and grocery stores. Can you restrict food content?

"It's a question of limiting personal choice," said Texas State Senator Kel Seliger. He recently opposed a trans fat ban. Though he believes that providing healthier foods in public schools and educating about better food choices is a good idea, the government should not restrict food content. "I like to inform the public rather than coerce the public," he said. 

Unfortunately obesity and healthcare reform may come hand in hand. The CDC reported last week that the health cost of obesity is up to $147 billion annually. Reducing obesity may lower health care costs as well.

Some of the CDC’s recommendations include:

• Making healthy food more available
• Promote physical activity
• Restrict unhealthy foods and beverages throughout communities
• Institute smaller portion sizes
• Limit advertisements of unhealthy food products
• Discourage consumption of drinks high in sugar