Drive-Through Ban: Will It Lower Obesity Rates?

on July 6, 2010 at 4:25 PM

dunkin donuts drive thru

Government attempts to curb soaring obesity rates should be applauded -- but not when the attempts are seemingly ineffectual.

Case in point: A California town called Baldwin Park has banned building new drive-throughs at restaurants for the next nine months. The hope is this measure will create a more healthy community, as well as cut down on traffic issues caused by idling cars waiting in line. But many locals think the moratorium makes the opposite of good sense.

And, frankly, I have to agree with them.

Eliminating drive-throughs and forcing folks to get out of their vehicle won't make Americans healthier. Customers are still going to order a bacon-cheeseburger, fries, a Double Down, and who knows what else -- all of which will negate the number of calories burned by walking from the car to the fast food restaurant.

Plus, Baldwin Park -- which ironically boasts to have opened California's first drive-through restaurant (In-N-Out) more than 60 years ago -- already has 17 drive-throughs. Won't a ban on the building of new ones ultimately exacerbate the lines and traffic that are plaguing the existing restaurants?

Is it just me or is this new law a head-scratcher?

If communities are truly committed to lowering obesity rates, then they should launch an all-out assault in America's fight against obesity instead of simply throwing a hand grenade. To me, the problem with this law is that it focuses too narrowly on people's daily habits (using the drive-through) and not broadly enough on their unhealthy lifestyle (eating fast food every day, not exercising, etc.).

Such measures as introducing healthy fast food options, organizing a community-wide exercise campaign, or educating folks on the dangers of unhealthy eating would seem to have more impact on our long-term health than a temporary ban on drive-throughs.

Would a drive-through ban be effective in curbing obesity in your community?

Image via psd/Flickr

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: eating out, food, healthy choices, trends

Comments (16)

jmetz24

on Jul 6, 2010 at 4:34 PM

i don't think this will prevent people from ordering what they were going to in the first place, nor do i think the extra minute walk from the parking lot into the store will affect one's weight. not to mention the inconvenience of people who have young children in tow.

driving

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APeveteaux

on Jul 6, 2010 at 5:02 PM

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. When I have my kids in the car getting out and going in would prevent me from going to the restaurant all together. I would probably drive home and order delivery. Not fast food, but not necessarily great for me either.

Seems to be a positive sentiment, executed poorly.

CafeMochaMom1

The problem is not entirely the fast food places fault. You have to moderate how much of anything you eat whether it be at home or at a take out place. My thinking is if you choose to eat the same thing all the time and not evaluate the nutritional value of what you are putting in your mouth, you are not doing your body any good. I see fast food as an Option when I don't feel like cooking. Cost wise, it's cheaper to make food at home, but fastfood saves us time when we have so many other things to do in our busy lives.

jeannesager

on Jul 6, 2010 at 5:17 PM

I have to say I loved drive throughs when my daughter was smaller because I would use them to get a soda or even a water that I needed desperately when she was asleep and I didn't want to move her.

And what about drivethroughs at pharmacies, the bank, etc.? All great for parents who have a sleeping child or a rowdy one.

The convenience factor isn't just about lazy people; it's a godsend for parents.

JenBrooks76

on Jul 6, 2010 at 6:29 PM

I suppose it might cut down on even bothering to go to a fast food joint. I don't know how well that will fare for the fast food places...maybe it won't make much of a difference. What about those few that simply flounder and die off though because the drive thru is their main revenue? How will that be good for the community?

I would have to agree that it would be better to offer up some healthier alternatives or create community campaigns for exercise and healthier eating.

Liansmommie

on Jul 6, 2010 at 8:12 PM

It sounds to me as if the local businesses are lobbying against competition. I am sensing a back room deal here.

toriandgrace

I am so tired of the government trying to control every aspect of people's lives. If someone wants to eat themselves to death, so be it. It's their personal choice. If you ask me, the government is far too involved already.

hautemama83

on Jul 6, 2010 at 8:37 PM

The ONLY thing that will ever help curb obesity rates is people choosing to eat healthier and watch their portions. Its common knowledge that fast food in general is terrible for you, therefore if you choose to eat it, you take a risk at becoming obese, and unhealthy.

Nonmember comment from SKL

on Jul 6, 2010 at 9:55 PM

It's none of Uncle Sam's business what I eat or where.

But assuming we were in some totalitarian state (we're on our way), this is stupid. The only time I ever go for fast food is because, duh, I need food fast - because I'm on my way to someplace where my kids and I will be shaking our booties. Why pay $10 when I can throw together something much healthier, just as fast, for $2? I usually pack a picnic anyway, but sometimes I don't have time, so we zip through the drive through and order plain fish sandwiches, milk, and fruit. So shoot me! (Oh wait a minute, have they commissioned the firing squads yet?)

If you force me to drag my kids inside, guess what - we'll end up sitting in there (on our fat asses) to eat and probably miss whatever activity we were gonna do. Might as well go home and sit on the couch and watch TV. Go Uncle Sam!!

Monwa

on Jul 7, 2010 at 10:03 AM

I think the point they are making is some people will be less likley to stop at the fast food restaurant if they can't just drive through. I know my sister in law and i go to town with all of our kids (5 total) and do drive through 'cause it's easier than bringing them in...if there was no drive through we'd probably just go home and cook something instead of grabbing dollar burgers...I also would like to comment on the government "doing" something about obesity...they have recently changed WIC from 2% milk to 1% milk to help curb childhood obesity...i'm sorry but i don't think that making that little change is what's gunna fix it...there are deeper issues with today's food than the % your milk is!! but thats just my opinion!