Talk Back: Tobacco labels -- a model for potato chip labels?

Cigarette packages will soon carry graphic images warning about the perils of smoking, because the earnest, if understated, written message simply wasn’t doing the trick. The new images have already grabbed so much attention, it appears health officials may be on to something. Perhaps this could be a way to fight weight gain.

With French fries and potato chips -- and, of course, sweetened drinks -- named this week as culprits in the nation’s growing girth, perhaps the same approach should be applied to junk food. Pleas to exercise and eat better haven’t worked, and the junk-food tax proposals are going nowhere fast.

But with obesity now linked to almost 17% of the nation’s medical costs, something must be done.

Perhaps images of bulging stomachs or dimpled thighs? Or limbs amputated because of diabetes or chests cut apart in desperate attempts to treat late cardiovascular disease? Could such images on a bag of chips or a can of soda be a deterrent come snack time?

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Related: Potatoes can add plenty to waistline