A new rule has been introduced by the US government to fight with the leading problem of obesity. Under the rule, the chain restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King; Applebee's, operated by DineEquity Inc, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and Subway, will have to post calorie count on their menus along with the prices, or else they might have to face a fine up to $ 2000.

Studies have revealed that one in three New Yorkers consume some 1000 calories at the lunch time, because mostly all working individuals take this meal outside their homes. New York has become the first city which has imposed this rule, and soon San Francisco and Seattle are also expected to join in the queue by introducing the ‘calorie-rule’ in few months.

Saturday saw the health inspectors inspecting the restaurants to see whether they have compiled with the rule. The rule was initially introduced in April, but New York State Restaurants Association had appealed in the court to demolish the rule. However, high court gave the decision in the right of the health authorities and thus the regulation was upheld.

The regulation has been welcomed with a mix reaction. Restaurant owners think that the rule will have no effect on the eating habits of the customers, and that the regulation has imposed the owners with a great trouble as they will have to count the calories in their products each time they change their menus.

On the other hand, officials say that this rule will prevent at least 150,000 New Yorkers from becoming obese and prevent at least 30,000 from developing diabetes over the next five years.

Dr. Colin T. Campbell, a distinguished nutrition professor retired from Cornell University feels that counting calories is not a way to keep away from obesity as no one can keep on counting them throughout their lives. In fact eating healthy and balanced diet by including right food groups is the best way to keep away from obesity.