The Not So "Sweet Surprise": Lawsuits Blaming Big Sugar for Obesity-Related Health Conditions Face an Uphill Battle.

Abstract

Because obesity and its associated health problems have been largely attributed to poor self-control, laziness, and various other personal failings, society has been unwilling to assign blame to food manufacturers for their role in contributing to this problem. But, as consumers are becoming more aware of the significantly harmful effect that poor diets can have on a person's heath, the scales may be tipping in favor of bringing "Big Food" to court. Food manufacturers, however, are not exactly vulnerable. Armed with precedent disputing the causal link between consumption of fast food and adverse health effects, judicially-created barriers to admitting epidemiologic evidence, and the defense of personal responsibility, food plaintiffs face an uphill battle. This Comment explores that reality.