Economy Contributing To Nationwide Obesity Issues, Say Analysts

By Aaron Richardson – Talk Radio News Service

James Marks, Senior Vice President of the Robert Wood Foundation, and Jeff Levi, Executive Director of Trust for America’s Health spoke Wednesday about the need for America to re-examine its obesity problem. The two also analyzed the current rates and rankings of adult obesity and overweight adolescents.

“The obesity epidemic clearly goes beyond being an individual problem, it’s reached national health crisis proportions.” said Levi.

According to the report titled “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America” adult obesity has tripled in the last 30 years. Making things worse is the fact that the current economy is forcing many Americans into leading unhealthy lifestyles.

“Food prices particularly for more nutritious foods are expected to rise making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods. At the same time safety net programs and services are becoming increasingly overextended as the number of the unemployed, uninsured and underinsured grow.” said Levi.

Marks however, said there are early signs of hope that things could improve.

“Many states have really stepped up with policies to really improve children’s school environments. Policies that we believe can improve or prevent obesity,” he said.