Federal Government Creates Soaring Rise in US Obesity Epidemic Study Shows
United States government programs and policies have propelled obesity in the US to record levels. Facing rising health care costs, legislation designed to curb America's weight issues have inadvertently spurred the obesity epidemic.
- (1888PressRelease) October 20, 2012 - The United States Government, facing rising health care costs, due to an uncontrollable obesity epidemic among the American population, has instituted programs and policies which directly adds to the rise in overweight Americans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Obesity is common, serious and costly. More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. Obesity-related medical costs in 2008 was estimated at $147 billion which is a difference of $1,429 additional costs for one obese person compared to their normal weight counterpart. The CDC has also predicted that by the year 2030 42% of Americans will become obese adding an additional strain of $550 billion annually to obesity related health care costs.
What paints a dreary picture of America's future to combat the rising Obesity epidemic is the programs and policies the United States Government is implementing. Not only are Government programs not working, they have been found to spur the rise in Obesity within the US population.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, (USDA) the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP- formerly known as Food Stamps) promotes health through nutrition. As the homepage of the SNAP program reads, "We put healthy food on the table for more than 46 million people each month." However, many studies and audits are proving the exact opposite.
According to Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, researchers have found that in fact, (SNAP) pays at least $2 billion for sugary drinks bought in grocery stores alone. That $2 billion does not include sweet drinks bought at other retail giants such as Wal-Mart. Yet, the American Government is constantly telling the public how they intend on combating a growing obesity epidemic, yet look closely at the cause and effects of their failures. With all good intentions meant by federal workers and elected officials the Status Quo in Washington is not curbing the obesity epidemic, instead it is throwing gas on the fire.
Currently the American Taxpayers are funding $80 billion a year for food stamps, without any oversight on purchases made. SNAP benefits or food stamps can be used to buy goods like candy to steak and lobster, at any gas station or convenience store where potato chips and a "Hot Box," of fried foods can be purchased. Also, the SNAP benefits card can also be used at the local fried-chicken restaurant. The Federal Government will not disclose what items are being purchased, or which stores are doing the most business in food stamps. Yet, convenience stores are paying millions to lobbyists to ensure these figures stay confidential.
According to the Washington Times: In February, 7-Eleven hired a former aide to House Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, to lobby on "issues related to the general application and approval process for qualified establishments serving SNAP-eligible recipients."
If the true purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is to provide healthy and nutritious food for hungry American families then it has failed. If the Federal Government wants to combat a rising obesity epidemic then it is not through paying back favors of special interest groups or lobbyists. The SNAP program needs to be transparent. Food stamps are not a right, but a safety net and the Government must tighten restrictions on purchases to only "Whole Foods."
America's Obesity epidemic will never be correctly addressed if we continue to use Federal Programs as a political football. Two things cause change in human beings, pleasure and pain. Basic humanistic nature is to move towards pleasure and stay away from pain, and find a place of comfort. Using food stamps as an emotional political issue will not solve any real problems. However, tightening the restrictions on food stamps to purchase only whole foods, or prepare at home raw ingredients will provide the "safety net," which was the initial intention of food stamps. More importantly it will force those who have become accustomed to using their SNAP cards for fast food, convenience, and junk food to either stop using taxpayer money for food, or become conscious on what they are buying and preparing. If the pain of not having food is great enough, then those who need assistance will be forced into choosing healthy options and preparing those meals. On the other hand if the pain of only buying healthy foods is great enough it will force those individuals to get off of assistance so they can seek the pleasure of the foods of their choice.
Above is only one example of failed policy which is actually having in adverse effect on the fight against obesity in America. A study of many Federal policies and programs by Tollie Schmidt have been shown to spur obesity rates in the United States. Tollie who grew up as the "fat kid," and weighed well over 500 pounds before his dramatic weight loss is a childhood obesity expert, and has helped scores of individuals overcome their battles with obesity and other eating disorders. As Tollie points out in his book, "Rise 180 Degrees: Magnifying the Human Experience," the United States so-called "experts," are concerned about treating an issue rather than preventing. Our elected officials create laws without looking at the adverse effects they may have on the American people and society at large.
Consider our current administration's Department of Labor wanted to reduce the work a child under the age of 16 could do on family farms. Teens working on family farms learn a much needed work ethic, while it does not allow them the National Average of time spent in front of the TV, or online. These teenagers may lack time sitting inside eating and diving into the world of gossip, and online friends while they are working. Outside these teens are being active, working, and contributing to their family, their work ethic will stay with them into adult hood, drastically cutting down the risk of behaviors which lead to Obesity.
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