The catastrophic failures of public health.

Presents an editorial on the catastrophic failures of public health as they manifest themselves in the inability to control obesity in developed countries. Background on early public health measures which eradicated many diseases; Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which confirm that more than 60% of adult Americans are overweight or obese; Lack of a coordinated strategy for dealing with the issue which has tremendous health repercussions; Derk Wanless report for the UK government, "Securing Good Health for the Whole Population which attacks the short-term target culture; Belief that public health has become complacent and is failing; Suggestion of two approaches one of which includes turning cities and towns into safe places for pedestrians.