January 8, 2009 "Mass in Motion" aims to curb obesity Play video

(Jennifer Eagan, NECN: Worcester, MA) - It's all so good you may not even want to know how bad some foods are for you.

But Governor Deval Patrick’s administration and other state leaders want all major restaurant chains in Massachusetts to post calorie counts on the menu or at the counter.

“This is probably one of greatest threats to health in nation right now.”

The campaign called Mass in Motion comes after obesity rates rose more than 15 percent from 1990 to 2007 in the Bay State.

Worcester public health director Derek Brindisi says the obesity rate in the city is around 60% - in line with the rest of the state.

Heavy weight gain can lead to other health problems...like type two diabetes and heart disease.

“This generation will be the first that doesn't have a higher life expectancy than the previous that hasn't happened in 100 years.”

The program would also reach out to kids...according to state data...one third of middle and high school students are overweight.

The state's initiative would ask public schools to measure the height and weight for kids in the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth grades.

Results would be sent home to parents along with nutrition information.

As far as seeing calories written right on the menu the reaction is mixed.