First they came for the French fries...

First, McDonald's rolled out new "gourmet salads." Then, it opted to use real white chicken meat in its McNuggets, instead of the congealed meat product of before. Now, the company is poised to strike down a fundamental right of American gorging -- the super size meal.

In the span of a few months, many fast food chains are offering healthier options. Burger King, Subway, and Hardee's launched "low-carb" Atkins burgers and wraps. At many Wendy's outlets, patrons ordering a value meal can substitute a small salad for French fries. The moves come at a time in which the painfully obvious but overlooked American obesity problem is taking center stage.

A recent report put the cost of obesity in the US at $75 billion, and a whopping 60 percent of Americans are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control. International health officials are accusing the US of exporting its obesity problem overseas through junk food. Some have taken to calling the chains "Big Food" and even envision lawsuits and settlements similar to those leveled against the tobacco industry a few years ago. A few members of the World Health Organization have even proposed advertising restrictions and special taxes.

It seems like the laughable 2003 lawsuit might be at least part of the impetus behind the rapid menu changes. In the case, a man alleged McDonald's caused his children to become obese by failing to warn him the food was unhealthy. The case was dismissed but has been reincarnated this year as a false advertising lawsuit. While holding McDonald's responsible for obesity is absurd, the legal action sent a shockwave through the fast food industry.

Its no wonder Big Food is nervous. But however ridiculous the lawsuits were, it is high time the fast-food restaurants critically analyze the nutrition of the foods they prepare, and at least offer healthier alternatives. Fast food, right or wrong, is a staple of the American diet. While the fact that Americans choose to eat unhealthily is by no means McDonald's fault, fast food chains have a real opportunity to help people make healthier choices.

Dropping the super size option from menus may be another effective step in that direction. Studies indicate that as restaurant portions have increased, so have the servings Americans serve themselves both at home and away. Larger portions train us to eat more, and this is a clear factor in the rising obesity trends.

The chains that are offering attractive options should be applauded for their efforts. Even so, the death of the Super Size menu is bittersweet. Obscene portions -- epitomized by the Super Size option -- have long been a staple of what made America great in the world. First they came for the French fries, what will they go after next?