I feel people's lack of responsibility is the reason why the state is perceived to be a 'nanny.'  Pretty sure the nanny is drunk on power itself and is quite happy letting the masses kill themselves any which way they choose.  That is, however, until enough start dying of something self inflicted. But we'll massage the stats, unknown causes of death everywhere.  We can't hold back the economy because the masses gorge themselves into early graves. So, as much as we might get increasingly nanny-ish states, that's also a facade because the politicians won't upset the electorate or be bold enough to make changes in the short time they have power, for fear of leaving a shit legacy too I think.  Tweak these nanny states, make it look like something is being done for the good of the public. I notice a distinct lack of targets to reduce obesity.... Only that it shouldn't rise. Hmm.  Adult toddlers indeed, gah, fucking fatties.