Lawsuit for not cutting fat

Do you feel Burger King is forcing you to consume unhealthy foods? Is McDonald's responsible for that extra pudge around your middle? Has KFC offended you by not telling you fried chicken is high in cholesterol and fat every time you step up to the counter to order?\nMeet Caesar Barber. At 56, 5-feet-10-inches and 270 pounds, Barber is not the epitome of health. He has had two heart attacks and is a diabetic. After eating fast food four times a week for years, Barber says his unhealthiness is the fast food industry's responsibility. He is suing McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and KFC in a class action lawsuit on behalf of himself and other obese New Yorkers (He's from the Bronx). \nBarber told ABC that the franchises never explained to him what he was eating and just how unhealthy it was. His lawyer says the industry has a responsibility to warn customers of the dangers of partaking in the meals off their grease-laden menus. \nSo, we all think this guy's a moron for not taking responsibility for his actions, right? Of course we're right. But there's more to the issue than just thinking about what you're putting into your mouth every day. \nThis fast food lawsuit can be compared to the recent legislation against the tobacco industry. Smokers have won cases blaming cigarette manufacturers for the health problems caused when they smoke. Under the same idea, smokers should take responsibility for their actions. Yet, they're winning because cigarettes directly cause health problems -- like cancer -- without outside factors contributing. \nBut obesity is caused by more than just eating fast food (even if you eat it four times a week). To earn yourself a heart attack or diabetes, you also must have a sedentary lifestyle and even eat poorly at home. With these outside factors that fast food chains have no affect on (unless you can justify that Wendy's should advertise exercise), obesity can't be anyone else's problem but your own. \nObesity is a problem in the United States; it's obvious. But it's not just because there's a burger joint around nearly every corner. \nTake responsibility for your actions, Barber.\n- Jessica Halverson for the Editorial Board