Weird as it sounds, last week McDonald's got in on the fight against childhood obesity by announcing a donation of $2 million to the La Jolla, California-based Scripps Institute, to fund research and programs aimed at preventing childhood obesity

It is the first time it has ever directly funded scientific research, said President and Chief Operating Officer Ralph Alvarez in an article by Reuters.

The move comes as McDonald's has been working to fend off high-profile accusations that the company is partly to blame for the 16 percent of U.S. children and adolescents who are overweight or obese.

In the last two years, McDonald's has undertaken a campaign to promote what it calls balanced, active lifestyles by eliminating "Super Size" portions of French fries and soft drinks, and by promoting physical activity to its customers in its marketing and advertising.

Pardon me if I'm still suspicious. A few paltry salads and a side order of applesauce for kids does not a healthy menu make.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com