US Government Will Increase Obesity Funding

As part of the Obama administration’s economic stimulus plan, the United States federal government will give states and local governments more funds to control obesity, which includes public transportation.

According to Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, the $2.5 trillion health care overhaul would include adding fruits and vegetables into school cafeterias and lunches, and also encourage grocery stores to sell healthier foods in less affluent communities. In a report issued on Monday, obesity costs taxpayers $147 billion, in weight-medical bills, per year. Secretary Sebelius said at an obesity conference in Washington, “The American Cancer Society estimates that all cancers combined cost our healthcare system $93 billion a year. So, ending obesity would save our healthcare system 50 percent more dollars than curing cancer.” The Secretary further added that part of the $1 billion for disease prevention would go to the Center for Disease Control, which includes initiatives of fighting obesity, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. She went on to praise an initiative, which was headed by former US President Bill Clinton and the American Heart Association, to encourage soft-drink makers to limit some of the sugary drinks sold in vending machines at various schools. Mrs. Sebelius wants the federal government to encourage health habits, which includes serving better meals at schools, retirement homes and government buildings. She also wants more physical education for children and investments that encourage walking, biking and public transportation. As California cannot afford many programs anymore, the federal government will assist funding new programs. One plan consists of providing buses for girls who attend dance lessons.SS