HEALTH REPORT: More Americans smoking, regulating online health and fitness ads

For the first time in nearly 15 years, more Americans are lighting up.

According to a 2008 national survey, a little under 21 percent of adults said they smoke.
   
Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and illness in the U.S.

And if you log onto the internet you’ve probably seen all sorts of ads promising everything from beautiful skin to getting a perfect body.
   
But now the FDA is saying enough is enough and drug companies agree.

The FDA began hearings in Washington yesterday regarding how to regulate drug claims online.
   
Right now ads on traditional media like print, TV, and radio have strict guidelines about what they can promise and what side effects the drugs could bring.
   
But online, it’s anything goes.

Representatives from search engine companies like Google and Yahoo were also at the meeting.
   
They say clear rules would make it easier for drug companies to advertise online, increasing their revenue.