We do not need to see figures and statistics proving the great success of fast-food chains to know that obesity in America is increasing in prevalence and spread. USA Today recently published a story reporting that city buses may be forced to carry less passengers because "the average weight is 194.7 pounds for men 20 and older and 164.7 pounds for women that age range." Weight has become such a problem worldwide, that the number of people who are overweight is now greater than the number of people who are underweight.
These numbers have drastic consequences, especially in the US with one of the heaviest populations: it is now estimated that about two-thirds of our population is overweight or obese. These wide-reaching conditions result in poor health and higher death rates for these people, and account for a significant portion of health costs. Operations such as liposuction are now commonplace, but do not address the root causes of these problems. The government needs to make strong moves to address a problem that now affects a majority of its citizens.
Austin actually does not suffer from such high obesity ratings as other large cities, and is ranked in America's 10 Fittest Cities by Forbes. However, more than one-fifth of our city's population is still obese. The rise of overweightness and obesity is responsible for an increased risk of type-2 diabetes, many form of cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer. Communities have a responsibility to provide sufficient health programs in grade schools to educate students about the risks and the increased rate of death brought on by these conditions.
Unfortunately, obesity correlates strongly with poverty and many of the overweight and obese individuals may come from communities that are unable to fund proper health education programs. Healthier foods come with higher prices, and fast food is much more convenient and affordable. It may be that schools with less available funding could be given grants requiring certain health programs to encourage proper food and nutrition education to children, as this is the most effective way of preventing such problems in adulthood. Ultimately, communities and legislators must support programs if we intend to lessen overweightness and obesity in the United States, and put a halt to the monetary costs of supporting an overweight population.
You are correct in citing poverty as a major contributing factor to obesity and its related health problems. The lack of affordable fresh food in poor neighborhoods had led to “food deserts” in these vulnerable communities. A 2009 study by the U S. Dept of Agriculture estimated that over 5 million households live ½ mile or more from the nearest large grocery store and that most lack a vehicle or affordable transportation to reach these stores. The expense of building and operating grocery stores in poor neighborhoods and a lack of access to credit for local grocery operators discourages efforts to build grocery stores in poor communities. Readily available and inexpensive fast food, high in fat and calories, becomes the default choice for these neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteThe Obama administration announced a Healthy Food Financing Initiative in 2010 designed to attract investment in underserved communities with flexible grant and loan financing providing funding to local retailers to build more grocery stores. The initiative is designed to develop public-private partnerships for a market based approach to the obesity crisis. Legislation implementing this plan was introduced by Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in November 2010. President Obama proposed $345 million for it in his FY 2011 Budget. The level of funding in 2011 and 2012 is uncertain until a budget is approved but there has been bi-partisan support for the proposal in the past.
Wal-Mart has launched a major initiative to improve the food choices they offer in their existing stores and to build new stores in underserved areas. They have moved to reduce sodium and sugar and remove trans fats in their private label food products and have been reducing prices to make their products more affordable. They are also increasing their charitable support to nutrition programs to educate families about healthier food choices.
These are two examples of how government can work hand in hand with private enterprise to tackle a serious and costly health crisis in our country. I hope they will inspire other retailers to step up to the challenge. We should all root for their success.