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Study finds government anti-obesity efforts are not working
Government initiatives to curb obesity are not working, according to a study released by the University of Missouri.
The study looked at the impact of per capita healthcare expenditures, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity rates vs. obesity rates at the state level. Charles Menifield, a professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs at MU, found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables correlated to lower obesity rates while factors such as smoking correlated with higher obesity rates. In light of the findings, “policy makers as well as health officials should take a comprehensive look at factors affecting obesity prior to efforts to curtail the issue,” according to the report’s abstract.
Despite an increase in state public health funding to combat growing health concerns, obesity rates have not decreased. The study found that as state spending on health care increases, obesity rates rise. The report’s conclusion says that “despite governmental campaign efforts to decrease rising obesity levels, the data in this research clearly indicated that their efforts are not working, suggesting that policy makers have to pursue more aggressive policies.”
According to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of American adults were obese in 2009 – 2010. This has caused an increase in the prevalence of health complications including hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The UM findings state that there has been an 8.1 percent increase in American obesity rates since 2000.
Menifield says his findings strongly suggest government efforts in fighting obesity have failed. He recommends policy makers address issues comprehensively, rather than combatting them one by one.
“The government cannot use a one-pronged approach to solving obesity,” Menifield said in a statement, “They must use multiple avenues to solve the issue at every level of government. Obesity is clearly correlated with other social ills, like smoking, low birth weight and teen pregnancy; thus, the government should seek an agenda that seeks to reduce all of these social ills rather than focus on them individually.”
Government action has failed.
Government action has failed. Therefore double down. Sounds promising! So what exactly makes anyone think government can accomplish such a feat? People WANT to eat garbage and sit around. It is completely within their power to do otherwise. My bet is that even direct monetary reward would fail to accomplish this goal. There are things government can do, and things it can’t. Unfortunately, there is nothing government can’t try to do.
One factor which needs to be
One factor which needs to be looked at are the government policies which actually contribute to or enable obesity, particularly in the populations most affected. For example, SNAP (food stamps) coupons can be used to purchase soda, candy, and a whole host of non-nutritious, calorie-rich foods. There are many well-meaning government programs which have undesirable unintended consequences. These policies need to be examined and adjusted to meet current problems.
“The report’s conclusion says
“The report’s conclusion says that “despite governmental campaign efforts to decrease rising obesity levels, the data in this research clearly indicated that their efforts are not working, suggesting that policy makers have to pursue more aggressive policies.” More aggressive policies? How ’bout that the government just stay out of it!
That would be fine as long as
That would be fine as long as we, as a nation, are willing to get the government out of paying for the consequences. We have done a wonderful job of shielding or rescuing people from the consequences of poor choices. Do we have the stomach to begin the withdrawal of that protection?
This study expressed the
This study expressed the obvious: we are a people who want to eat whatever we want. We can throw money at studying government’s efforts at curbing obesity all day long and never get anywhere.
I work in government. At least we have a gym here small as it is. Some days I find time to put in ½ hour workout, however most of the time, I cannot. Finding workout time is difficult. What I would like is to have my employer allow me a flexible time to work out, perhaps at an extended lunch time. Employers know that along with a consistent good work attitude that a healthy worker is not just a benefit to oneself but to all since it works to bring down health care costs for all. Employers, who realize the value of their employees, can create work time flexibility to allow the employee gym time, if the employee asks for it.
On an episode of Dirty Jobs Mike Rowe works with Worldwide Window Cleaning to cleaning windows on a 40 story high-rise in Hawaii. One of the first things Mike learns is not only the obvious which are safety issues but warming up for the job. The employers at Worldwide Window Cleaning should be commended for taking action on the obvious, the employee health condition, and warming up first.
We cannot live without healthy bodies and they require daily attention.