Greetings!,
At this point, it seems there's no getting around it: we're in for tough economic times. And unfortunately, that will have a big impact on our own efforts to take on the obesity epidemic.
Overweight and obesity already cost the country an estimated $92.6 billion, and up to $117 billion when considering both direct and indirect costs, annually. Research has shown that poverty and unemployment lead to higher rates of obesity and related conditions. When times get tight, people become less likely to take advantage of the preventative health measures that we encourage: people put off doctor's check-ups, they cancel gym memberships and they may start looking toward quick and cheap foods, rather than fresh, nutritious meals.
If you want an example, look no further than KFC's new "$10 Challenge" advertising campaign, which aims to convince viewers that it's cheaper to buy a family fried chicken dinner from KFC than it is to buy the ingredients at a grocery store. This campaign encourages the kind of "convenience culture" that is so closely linked to sedentary behaviors. Worst of all, it directly preys on the financial worries facing so many families today, with an offering that is hardly healthy for the family.
The prognosis for businesses isn't much better. As employees find themselves under more financial pressure, taking steps to take care of themselves can become more difficult, resulting in productivity taking a major hit. Sick days can pile up, and company healthcare expenses can rise.
And so, even with all of the progress we've made, the economic climate stands to become another hurdle blocking our efforts to overcome and prevent overweight and obesity.
If there is a time when a group like the STOP Obesity Alliance can make a difference, that time is now. With people more at risk and less equipped to handle the financial pressures associated with obesity and related illnesses, it's critical for the Alliance not to lose the momentum we've picked up this year.
The key will be to continue to leverage the combined expertise of our membership. Consistently drawing upon the perspectives, the expertise and the contributions of our diverse and powerful alliance is the single best way to get this debate to the forefront, regardless of who the president is, or the state of our national economy. |
Sincerely,
Christine C. Ferguson, JD Director, The STOP Obesity Alliance Associate Research Professor School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Health Policy The George Washington University |
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