Ok, America, how hard is it to keep track of what you eat? Because between calorie menus and Apple Dippers this obesity problem should really be going away. Unfortunately it's not, but for those who can afford iPhones and would like to watch what they eat, there's Meal Snap: an app that will calculate your meal's calories based on a photograph. "Auto-magically!" (Ugh.) more ›

[UPDATE BELOW] It's hard out there for a Happy Meal. Two state officials today spoke about separate plans to regulate New Yorkers' caloric intakes. The first initiative comes from City Councilman Leroy Comrie Jr., who wants to follow San Francisco and ban toys from fast-food meals unless the meals meet certain n utritional standards, including that they have fewer than 500 calories. Comrie said in a statement, "By ensuring that toys are only given away with meals which meet the nutritional guidelines set out in this bill, children will be more likely to pick the healthier meals when they do visit fast food restaurants. Children, lured in with toy giveaways at an early age, are more likely to develop a habit of eating unhealthily." more ›

Yesterday, the FDA announced two proposed regulations that would require chain restaurants around the country to post calorie counts on their menus—like New York has been doing for years. But don't worry, there are still a few safe places where no one will know how fat you are. The FDA writes, "Movie theaters, airplanes, bowling alleys, and other establishments whose primary purpose is not to sell food would not be subject to this proposed regulation." more ›

According to numerous independent studies, the posted calorie counts now required at the city's chain restaurants have little impact on the eating habits of most adults and teenagers, with some adults ordering more calories than they would before the rule went into effect. But according to unreleased data from the city's Health Department, the calorie counts sort of help sometimes. The Department tells us, "The two main points are that our new research shows that the 15% of fast-food patrons in the city who use the information eat an average of 106 fewer calories than those who don't see or ignore the calorie content." The other 85% just want their Shamrock Shakes. more ›

Former New Jersey Governor John Corzine's hand must be cramped—on his last day in office he signed 54 bills into law, including one to legalize medical marijuana. And though he's letting state residents with chronic illnesses toke up, he also wants to discourage the munchies. Yesterday he followed New York's lead in making calorie postings mandatory at fast-food restaurants. more ›

The law forcing chain restaurants with more than 15 locations nationwide to display calorie information might have been drafted with fast food joints like McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts in mind — but it's ticking off diners at some of the city's more upscale restaurants. more ›