While we’re on the subject of obesity and science vs common knowledge, here are a couple of studies that go against the grain.

http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=100704F

Summary:The GUTS study on 16,000 kids in Boston found (a) no correlation between snack food consumption and childhood obesity (b) a strong correlation between dieting and weight gain. IE Fat kids don’t eat more snack foods, but kids who diet get fat (or fat kids are more likely to diet?).The DONALD study on 228 children in Dortmund found no correlation between dietary patterns and obesity. Fat kids eat much the same as skinny kids.

After a review of published research the opinion is expressed that obesity is predominantly genetic, and that diet is just a way of getting to the weight your biology thinks is right for you. If enough food is available, some people will just get fat.

I doubt these observations will be consistent with the opinions held by the majority of the population, including my readers. I know which I prefer.