In today's NYTimes, Michael Pollan writes that no discussion of health care reform, costs, and so on should overlook "...a rising tide of chronic disease linked to diet."
Bravo!
It's obvious, it has been said and written before, but there it lies, maybe less like an elephant and more like what an elephant leaves behind after digesting a good meal.
When Foodie Spouse and I applied for a slightly different health insurance policy several years back, we were asked if we smoked--no, never--and if we "used alcohol." Nothing was asked about our diet, nor about our level of physical activity. I asked the asker why her company was not interested in knowing any of that.
Silence.
You can get better auto insurance rates if you show evidence of being a safe, skilled driver. My health care provider apparently could care less that we might be a better risk for them than an inert couple hooked on fast food and soft drinks.
But, as Pollan points out, once the pre-existing condition loophole is removed with the passage of a proposed health care bill, "... health insurance companies will promptly discover they have a powerful interest in reducing rates of obesity and chronic diseases linked to diet."
According to Pollan, currently it costs the country $147 billion to handle obesity in the United States.
Yesterday evening, out walking with the terrier, I watched young parents leaving the neighborhood soccer fields with their kids after practice. A pretty, seriously overweight blond mother looking well shy of 30, and her hefty 6 year-old daughter climbed up into their Jeep, the mom with some effort.
This is not only nuts, it's irresponsibly sad.
2/3 of Americans are overweight and manny of them suffered ffrom chronic diseases due to obesity. The weight loss industry players must come out with some really effective products to help these bunch of people.
Posted by: Rory in NC | May 09, 2011 at 09:26 PM
One of the major problem today, must have a special program to prevent obesity.
Posted by: hollywood bistro | December 13, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Life is short! I hope I can talk to you in the blog life as wonderful and beautiful! This makes sense of my life be flies! I should have left a footprint in this world!
Posted by: Puma Shoes | August 20, 2010 at 09:38 PM
Yeah....there are a lot of fat Americans.
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Posted by: Fast Diets | November 30, 2009 at 12:14 PM
I absolutely agree with you. I think it is so sad the high rate of obesity. I think there are so many families out there that are busy with school, sports, and work. It is easier and quicker to pick up fast food rather then spending the time to cook a healthy meal. It is so important to teach our children when they are young how to eat healthy and stay physically fit.
Posted by: Chris | October 27, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Dear Anon: We salute you, and YES,speaking for all Americans, we are NUTS. That said, we will ask no questions, so you need tell no lies. ( Liar!)
Posted by: Foodie | September 11, 2009 at 03:15 PM
"Court Says Employer Must Pay For 340-Pound Employee's Weight-Loss Surgery"- from todays Huffpost.
ARE YOU NUTS, AMERICANS?????
I have become fat too, but finally tried to do something about it. In Yurrup, with a doctors letter I went to a commercial diet outfit ( individual sessions, no rah rah and weigh-ins ) The cost is very bearable and partial covered by our goverment health system. Not one session, but 5 every year- but there must/should be a limit.
Posted by: Anonymous Hehehe | September 11, 2009 at 11:35 AM