Topeka ? If you’re fat, it’s your own fault.

That’s the message in a bill endorsed Tuesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The measure is designed to prevent lawsuits against restaurants, food makers and food distributors over obesity and other weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure.

The committee’s voice vote sent the bill to the Senate for debate.

The measure says anyone who makes, distributes, sells, markets or advertises food cannot be held legally liable for others’ weight-related health problems.

Lawsuits still would be allowed over violations of state or federal rules on labeling, advertising or food content.

Supporters of the bill contend it will prevent frivolous lawsuits and encourage people to take responsibility for eating habits that cause a health problem.

“People need to look at what they do — their actions — and not blame it on somebody else,” said Sen. Les Donovan, R-Wichita.

But Sen. Phil Journey, R-Haysville, said the bill is so broad that courts will have a hard time interpreting its contents.

And some opponents, such as the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, contend the measure isn’t necessary because of the lack of such lawsuits in state courts.

But committee Chairman John Vratil, R-Leawood, said of the bill: “It’s what I would call a pre-emptive strike.”