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Does Fat Really Cost Us $40 Billion?
May 22, 2009
Posted by: Carol
Yeow. $40 billion is a lot of money for too many potato chips (see my weakness) and too many sugary drinks. New York Times columnist David Leonhardt asked Rand to estimate how much money obesity costs the federal government in Medicare and Medicaid. And yes, their answer was $40 billion, enough to cover one-third of the health care reform costs or 6% of Medicare and Medicaid.
Now, consider how much the spatial organization of our cities encourages sedentary living, and by extension, obesity. Think about that the next time another disconnected suburb is proposed in your community.
Sheila, May 22, 2009
I can personally attest to the spatial organization argument. When I lived in the DC area, I walked out my front door and across/down the street to a number of restaurants that were affordable that offered reasonably healthy menu choices. I could get a quick bite and burn a few calories on the walk. There you had to WORK to find the fast food. Since moving back to Memphis, it is the total opposite. The only "restaurant" between my house and the interstate that I must get on to go to work is a McDonalds... And I've stopped more than a few times in a pinch. Oh, and I am definitely larger these days. To change that will take a commitment to seeking out healthier food or to eat solely at home (not really realistic). Never mind the fact that I have to consciously build exercise into my life.
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