Obesity encouraged by hospitals

To the Editor of the NY Times:
As the father of two young boys and as a family doctor who emphasizes prevention, I share Paul Krugman's concern about the rapid rise in childhood obesity and the power of large food companies to influence children's poor eating habits.
Sadly, the health care industry shares some of the blame for the obesity epidemic.
During a recent trip to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, I was appalled to find a McDonald's restaurant in the main lobby, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Many hospitals share similar profitable alliances with fast-food giants. What message are we sending parents and children when our own children's hospitals are serving up the exact nutritional content that is largely responsible for the obesity epidemic?
Joshua Barash, M.D.
Philadelphia, July 5, 2005