Healthcare reform bill tackles obesity

• Obesity • • Public Health • Mar 26, 10

While many are focused on the effect the recent healthcare bill will have on insurance and coverage, a number of other health provisions are included. Obesity prevention and treatment is among these.

Successful obesity treatment and prevention requires a multi-pronged approach. Smaller scale attempts, such as state or city taxes on unhealthy foods, may result in small changes. But this isn’t enough. Treating the level of obesity, and related diseases, currently found in the U.S. will require an organized nationwide effort.

Obesity has pervasive effects at an individual, family and community level. Individuals are at greater risk for diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, stroke and some cancers. Loss of health and lost work days negatively impacts families emotionally and financially. In communities where obesity rates are high, health care treatment costs are higher for employers and the community as a whole.

Healthcare legislation requiring calorie information on restaurant menus aims to improve eating habits and reducing calorie intake by making consumers more aware BEFORE they buy. The overall goal is to reduce overweight and obesity rates as consumers learn to make healthier choices.
Healthcare reform includes a number of provisions for prevention task forces and community prevention services. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) will award grants at local and community levels for “implementation, evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based community preventive health activities in order to reduce chronic disease rates, prevent the development of secondary conditions” (healthcare reform bill Sec.4108). Obesity, and its related diseases, will be a primary target for these awards.

At all levels, opportunities for prevention programs, pilot programs and community collaboration will exist for prevention and treatment in specific populations. Screening and wellness programs for seniors, low income populations and those covered by Medicare will include nutrition based interventions and treatments.
Seniors and low income populations have been shown to be at higher risk for obesity and other lifestyle related diseases. Prevention at these levels can mean millions saved in healthcare treatment costs.
Tying in with the Michelle Obama’s campaign against childhood obesity will be school based programs. Establishment of school-based clinics can include nutrition counseling.
A child obesity demonstration project will identify effective ways to prevent childhood obesity in Medicaid-eligible children by working with families, schools and communities. School interventions will be implemented in daycares and community centers where children may spend a good portion of their day.
Whether you support healthcare reform or not, there is no denying that our country needs to do something about its obesity crisis. Billions of dollars are being earmarked for prevention and treatment efforts over the next decade. With ongoing research, treatment and evaluation, we might just have a chance of conquering obesity and the health problems that come with it.

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Renee Melton
Obesity Examiner

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