Surgeon General Nominee Consults for Burger King

US must get a handle on public health crisis

(NEWSER) - A widespread vice has a negative effect on Americans' health, and it's up to the government to do something about it. That approach worked for tobacco, David Lazarus writes for the LA Times , and it can work for obesity, too. "The answer seems obvious," he argues. "If we want to protect ourselves from a deadly epidemic of heart disease, diabetes and other ailments, just as we've taken steps to protect ourselves from an epidemic of lung cancer, we need to act." More»

It's sure to become the new 'it' spot in no time

(NEWSER) - Just when the Double Down caused you to lose all hope in fast food, Burger King is restoring your faith with a new, classy brunch menu. Yes, you just read the words “Burger King” and “brunch” in the same sentence. Highlights of the menu, currently being tested in Massachusetts, Florida, and Canada, courtesy of Burger Business :

• Mimosas: Yes, mimosas. At Burger King. Of course, they’re not alcoholic, so the champagne is replaced by Sprite. OJ and Sprite in the morning! Yum!

Here's a preview of your post-health care reform sticker shock

(NEWSER) - Thanks to a fun little side clause in the health care reform bill, fast food restaurants are going to have to start posting nutrition information on their menus. The Daily Beast decided to offer a preview of the 40 most shock-inducing items:

1. Wendy’s Triple Baconator: In a class by itself really, with 1,330 calories, 38 grams of saturated fat, 345 milligrams of cholesterol, and a whopping 3150mg of sodium.
2. SuperSonic Cheeseburger: Sonic only needed two patties to squeeze in 980 calories and 24g of saturated fat.

First 'Whopper Bar' will open in South Beach, Miami

(NEWSER) - Burger King plans to pair beer and burgers in a new joint called the Whopper Bar in South Beach. The restaurant will offer a range of burgers, toppings and beer, with a 'Whopper Combo' costing $7.99, or about two bucks more than regular. But unless you live in a tourist hot spot, don't count of swilling beer with your fast food anytime soon. Whopper Bars will only open in South Beach, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, USA Today reports. More»

No: Benjamin can inspire those of above-average weight

(NEWSER) - Regina Benjamin is supremely qualified to be surgeon general—except on one count, argue some: “The anti-fat brigade wonder if a country plagued by obesity should have an above average-weight woman speaking to public health,” writes Frances Kissling in Salon. Yes, we should, Kissling says. Countless Americans are trying to gain dignity and lose weight, and “having a confident, big-bodied and big-spirited woman” as surgeon general can inspire them. More»