Obesity

The United States has a “growing” problem—an ongoing obesity crisis in both the young and old. This session offered a unique multidisciplinary approach to the problems. Panelists explored elements of the policymaking process that led to obesity programs in various states. Speakers discussed educational reforms, transportation developments, land use changes and food industry initiatives. Unknown Object State Approaches to Obesity Reduction September 19, 2013 The United States has a “growing” problem—an ongoing obesity crisis in both...

In 2011, 63 percent of adults in the United States were overweight or obese.¹ Individuals who are overweight or obese have increased risks of developing conditions such as heart disease, type II diabetes and stroke.² Obesity adds an estimated $147 billion to U.S. health care expenditures each year.³ Cost estimates cover Medicaid, Medicare and private insurers and include inpatient, outpatient and prescription drug costs. States are taking action by incorporating anti-obesity measures into their transportation and education policies.

As the nation faces up to the growing obesity epidemic, a variety of players are stepping forward to focus on the delivery of healthful nutritious food at reasonable prices. Key players in the food and restaurant industry are doing their part to shape the food environment and help consumers make smarter choices, especially at young ages when lifelong habits and impressions are molded. They say they are showing that helping each customer make informed healthy choices more easily is a simple yet powerful tool to help combat obesity.