American Government Addressing Obesity
A study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that the cost of obesity-related illnesses in America is more than $147 billion per year. According to the study, the bulk of that cost comes from prescription drugs and therapies used to treat obesity related diseases.
“The only way to show real savings in health expenditures in the future is through efforts to reduce the prevalence of obesity and related health conditions,” says Health Economist Eric Finkelstein, the author of the study.
Childhood Obesity
The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 children are obese or overweight. It’s a condition that affects every racial, economic and age group in America. Contributing to the problem is the cost of food: high-calorie, low-nutrient junk foods cost far less than healthy fruits and vegetables. Technology is another factor: Americans spend more time using electronic entertainment forms, which leads to a more sedentary lifestyle.
The Director of the CDC, Dr. Thomas Frieden, says it’s hard for people to stay on a diet when there are so many low-cost, unhealthy foods available. He adds, “If you go with the flow in America, you will end up overweight or obese. This is not a result of a change in our genes. What has changed, is our environment.”
Federal health officials want to see stimulus funds sent to grocery stores in poor neighborhoods, to encourage them to put more fresh produce on the shelves, at an affordable cost for consumers. They’d also like to change people’s behaviors, by promoting exercise and better food choices.
Dr Kal’s Addendum:
Obesity is the biggest health problem facing the United States. Everyone is talking about it. But, what are we going to do about it? There are many strategies the government can try. But, are Americans really ready to try them?
Lose weight permanently with my FREE weight loss plan, the Don’t Go Broke Weight Loss Plan.
Related posts: