LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles City Council committee has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new fast-food restaurants in a 32-square-mile area, mostly in South Los Angeles.

The measure was proposed by Councilwoman Jan Perry, whose district includes much of South L.A. She says is trying to reduce health problems in her district associated with fast food, such as obesity and diabetes.

Restaurant lobbyists opposed the moratorium at first. But Andrew Casana of the California Restaurant Association says his group is working with council members on the issue and is waiting to see how they define fast food.

About 500,000 Angelenos live in the areas that would be affected by the ban.

It would become law if approved by the full council and signed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.