The American obesity epidemic isn’t going away, in spite of high profile efforts to raise awareness about unhealthy eating habits. In fact, on store shelves and in many restaurants portion sizes are still ballooning.  According to anti-obesity advocate and former food industry insider Hank Cardello, at the root of this well-documented cultural crisis is an entrenched “business of food” veiled in secrecy, fueled by greed and sustained at the expense of America’s collective health.

Cardello, who for decades was a successful food company executive, believes that a combination of corporate avarice, failed government regulation, consumer confusion and misleading media coverage have conspired to create the current obesity conundrum.

On your show, he will explain why consumers are still being manipulated, and in some cases deceived by the household names and institutions they trust.

Also ask him to explain:

• Why schools are junk food ‘pushers.’

• Why government reform attempts have backfired.

• Why only the food industry can fix the problem.

• What consumers can do to fight fat—and fight back.

CREDENTIALS: Hank Cardello is co-author of STUFFED: An Insider’s Look at Who’s (Really) Making America Fat (Ecco). For more than 30 years he was an executive with and adviser to some of the world’s largest food and beverage corporations.  Today he heads the consulting firm 27°North and chairs the annual Global Obesity Business Forum sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

AVAILABILITY: North Carolina, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone

CONTACT: Annie Weiss, (212) 207-7061 (NY); anne.weiss@harpercollins.com; www.stuffednation.com; www.eccobooks.com