Massachusetts set to unveil fast-food menu rules

So what?

"Massachusetts is expected to unveil the toughest restaurant menu labeling rules in the United States on Wednesday, requiring fast-food chains to list how many calories are in the food they sell in a bid to combat obesity...

The action comes at a time of rising obesity in the state and in the United States, and the regulations are intended to allow people to make better-informed decisions about the food they eat.

More than half of the adults in Massachusetts are overweight or obese, according to a 2008 state report that also showed adult obesity more than doubling in 20 years. About 33 percent of Americans are overweight, while more than 34 percent are obese, according to U.S. government figures.

A restaurant calorie information rule took effect in New York City last year, and more than a dozen states are considering similar provisions."

And how well have they worked?

This well. This well. This well.

Oh, well.

What do you expect from people who say this:

"The rising obesity rate is "obviously important when you have a state that has created such success around healthcare reform," Massachusetts Department of Public Health spokesman Tom Lyons said."

...and do this and deliver this:

"Many Americans who need to see a family physician or specialist may have to wait weeks or even months for an appointment, a new survey suggests.

People living in and around Boston need to have the most patience, according to the survey, which attempted to gauge average wait times for doctor appointments in 15 U.S. metropolitan areas.

Boston residents, the survey suggests, need to wait an average of 70 days for a routine check-up with an obstetrician/gynecologist; 63 days to see a family physician for a standard physical; 40 days to see an orthopedic surgeon to assess a knee injury; and 3 weeks for a check-up with a cardiologist...

This may be related to the fact that Massachusetts now mandates health insurance coverage for residents -- a move that, along with increasing the rolls of the insured, has boosted demand for doctor appointments."

I recommend that you expect little good.