The government wants its citizens to be alive and healthy. Alive and healthy people can vote, be financially productive, and are less of a drain on government money. I think at some point the government is going to start putting limits on health insurance, food stamps, and other financial assistance while giving tax breaks for healthy people. BMI over 30? Have the government pay for people's rehab. If the fatties refuse or if they relapse, they'll be considered non compliant and ineligible for government money.  And stick home economics back into the core curriculum for public schools. Teach kids what the fuck nutrition is, how to shop for food on a budget, and how to cook basic meals that aren't loaded with crap. And as someone else has already said, the government needs to quit subsidizing corn and sugar and start taxing junk food.