PFCD Applauds First Lady’s Leadership in Launching National Childhood Obesity Initiative
Obesity Epidemic a Top National Health and Economic Threat that Requires Immediate Action
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease applauds President First Lady Michelle Obama for making the epidemic of childhood obesity a national priority, and for partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Surgeon General, in calling for immediate action on this issue from leaders across the country.
“The health of our children is just about the most important component of ensuring a bright future for this country,” said PFCD Executive Director, Ken Thorpe, Ph.D. “If we wish to create a stable economy that can deliver continued growth and prosperity, we must address the obesity epidemic among children - that’s why I am heartened by the commitment from the First Lady, Secretary Sebelius, and Surgeon General Benjamin to moving beyond words to action on this critical issue.”
If nothing is done to tackle this crisis, 43 percent of U.S. adults will be obese by 2018, costing the nation an estimated $344 billion in medical-related expenses, according to a new report released by America’s Health Rankings, “The Future Cost of Obesity: National and State Estimates of the Impact of Obesity on Direct Health Care Expenses,” which is based on research by Thorpe.
The PFCD has long recognized obesity as a leading driver of health care spending in the U.S. and released several common-sense policy recommendations for effectively addressing the obesity epidemic. These policy proposals, “Recommendations on Reversing Obesity Trends with Health Reform,” focus on strengthening workplace wellness programs, improving school physical education programs and educating the American public about the risks of obesity-related diseases.
“Our growing health care bill is inextricably linked to the doubling of obesity rates seen in the last two decades. In this new initiative, if we, as a nation, have the will to do so, I believe we can reverse this deadly and costly trend - and will most certainly see health and economic returns on our investment.”
About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease:
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is a national and state-based coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability, and rising health care costs in the U.S.: chronic disease.
For more information about the PFCD and its partner organizations, please visit: www.fightchronicdisease.org.
The America’s Health Rankings report based on Thorpe’s research is available at www.americashealthrankings.org and the PFCD’s recommendations on obesity can be found on the group’s Web site at www.fightchronicdisease.org.
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