With two-thirds of Americans considered to be overweight, many health care facilities are reconsidering their decision to offer fast food as part of their food courts. Although having McDonald's and other franchises in the building is convenient for visitors, there is definitely a conflict considering that fast food can lead to a variety of health problems. Fats in these food products are known to cause clogged arteries that ultimately lead to heart attack or stroke.

The Cleveland Clinic, which services over 205,000 heart patients a year, is one of those facilities that is taking a second look at this situation. Leading doctors at this clinic have already chased away Pizza Hut, but nine other restaurants, including McDonald's and Subway, remain.

Some hospitals have resisted the lure of the fast food chains. Neither Massachusetts General Hospital nor Brigham and Women's Hospital have fast-food restaurants on site. However, Tufts-New England Medical Center has both an Au Bon Pain and Dunkin' Donuts and its Crossroads Cafe offers Pizza Hut products and ice cream.

Children's Hospital in Boston also has an Au Bon Pain, and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital offers visitors to the facility a Starbuck's coffee shop.

Cleveland Clinic is in discussion with representatives of McDonald's to come up with a possible compromise. Angel Calman, a spokesperson for the clinic said, `We are hoping we are setting some kind of a trend . . . about wellness.'

McDonald's currently operates in 36 hospitals all over the country.