Policy Brief

To: Adrienne Eadie Adams

From: Abbas Aslam

Date: July 23, 2023

Re: Implementation of Federal Policies to Lower Obesity Rates in the U.S.

Statement of Issue: What policies can be implemented to lower obesity rates in the U.S.?

Obesity has grown to become a critical public health issue in the United States, posing significant challenges to individuals, communities, and the nation’s healthcare system. Over the past few decades, the prevalence of obesity has reached alarming levels. According to the CDC, more than two-thirds of American adults are considered overweight or obese ⁽¹⁾. The gravity of the situation needs to be acknowledged and the proposed targeted interventions must be considered by local government elected officials to address this pressing public health challenge and halt the growing rate of obesity in the United States. 

·      Research suggests that this escalating epidemic has far-reaching consequences including a rise in chronic diseases and psychological issues. Those suffering from obesity may also be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers ⁽²⁾. Additionally, obesity can also lead to psychological and emotional issues, such as depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and body image dissatisfaction or dysmorphia ⁽³⁾.

·      Communities with high obesity rates often experience a strain on healthcare resources, as obesity-related conditions require frequent medical attention and treatment. The challenges experienced by healthcare systems as a result include increased hospitalizations, doctor visits, and prescription medication use, which contribute to higher healthcare costs. Additionally, obesity-related conditions may necessitate specialized medical services, further straining healthcare resources ⁽⁴⁾.

·      Obesity can significantly diminish an individual’s quality of life, thus impacting the overall economy and community. The strains of obesity impact individuals by limiting their physical mobility, impairing their daily activities, and affecting one’s overall well-being. It may also lead to decreased productivity, job limitations, and reduced participation in social and recreational activities. A lack of productivity due to obesity-related health issues negatively affects the community’s economic output ^(5).

Landscape

When developing and executing a policy to address this public health crisis, it is critical to examine the stakeholders who will be involved at every step of the policy’s creation and implementation. Government officials are crucial as they are responsible for shaping and implementing policies related to obesity prevention. They have the power to introduce legislation and allocate the necessary resources in an effective manner. Government officials will allow for the funding of community-based organizations that are part of the proposed policies. Additionally, community-based organizations are essential for any educational food programs and community-based initiatives. School administration and teachers are crucial stakeholders as they promote and educate students about healthy eating habits. They are also necessary for the implementation of school-based policies and educational programs to students. Finally, parents and caregivers a driving force and change begins from the home. Parents and caregivers must take the initiative to learn about healthy eating habits and lifestyles and then implement their learnings in the home space. Their participation in promoting healthier behaviors will reinforce the school-based educational programs and efforts to encourage long-term, sustainable, generational change for children.

Policy Options

·      A federal mandate implementing taxes on sugary beverages and unhealthy processed foods would trigger many people to question their food choices. It would be important that while the government taxes unhealthy foods, they also provide subsidies for the production and consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. This can influence consumer choices and promote healthier dietary habits.

o   Advantages: Implementing taxes on sugary beverages and unhealthy processed foods can discourage the consumption of these items. It will also generate revenue for the government that can be used towards funding public health initiatives, obesity prevention programs, and subsidies for healthier food options.

o   Disadvantages: An important disadvantage of this tax mandate that should be highlighted is that it can have a disproportionate impact on low-income individuals and families. Once affordable food options may become out of budget which can lead to the exacerbation of existing health disparities. Additionally, it may become difficult to enforce this tax and may create the potential for tax evasion.

·      Making healthier food options more accessible to both children and adults is incredibly important. To do so, policies that encourage the availability of nutritious food options in school cafeterias and vending machines should be implemented. Promoting healthy eating habits should start from a young age. Additionally, community-based programs that focus on creating supportive environments for healthy living should be implemented in various cities. This can involve establishing community gardens which would increase access to fresh produce in underserved areas and encourage physical labor.

o   Advantages: This policy is greatly focused on the improvement of public health as it makes healthier food options more accessible in schools and communities. Focusing on nutritious food options in schools can positively impact children’s health and academic performance. Healthy eating has been linked to better concentration, learning, and overall well-being among students. This can even lead to increased performance and grades within schools. Such a policy has been proven to be successful under the Obama administration’s school nutrition policy that Michelle Obama had worked to support. Additionally, implementing policies that increase access to fresh produce in underserved areas through community gardens will contribute to food equity and ensure that all communities have access to nutritious foods regardless of their socio-economic status. Community gardens and community-based programs will also strengthen the community as they will empower them to lead the change within their own spaces. It fosters a sense of community engagement and collaboration.

o   Disadvantages: Redesigning and restructuring meal options within schools will be costly. Adequate funding and resource allocation will be necessary to implement such revolutionary changes. Regarding the implementation of community-based initiatives, they will require coordination among different agencies, local authorities, and community members which can be complex.

·      Simply making healthier food options accessible will not be effective if there is no education surrounding how to make healthier choices. Within schools, children should be provided adequate education on healthy eating habits to accompany their healthy meal options. For adults, local initiatives can be provided the funds to educate communities about healthy eating habits as well as implement community-led physical activities, such as walking and biking. Additionally, workplaces should be encouraged to develop workplace wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles, including gym memberships, healthier food options within the workplace, and stress management initiatives.

o   Advantages: Education leads to long-term change as people will be more empowered and motivated to make changes in their lives if they have the right tools to do so. If children and adults have adequate education about eating healthier, they can make informed choices about their diet, which leads to more sustainable changes in behavior. This will also improve overall health literacy, ensuring individuals understand the importance of nutrition and its impact on one’s body, health, and overall well-being. Furthermore, both community and workplace wellness programs that emphasize healthy lifestyles can lead to improved employee satisfaction, performance, productivity, and work-life balance.

o   Disadvantages: Much like the cost of restructuring school-based food programs, providing education on healthy eating habits and funding community-led initiatives may require substantial resources. Furthermore, there may be pushback as there is a possibility of concerns about prioritizing other academic subjects over food and health education.

Policy Recommendation: Addressing the consequences of obesity requires beginning at the root of the issue which is a lack of education on the topic itself. Promoting healthy eating in schools and within community-based programs will have a more significant and sustainable impact of obesity prevention. Firstly, it can lead to improved health outcomes by instilling healthy habits from an early age, potentially reducing obesity rates and associated health issues. With a large reach, schools can impact a diverse population of children, contributing to a healthier future generation. Additionally, improved academic performance resulting from healthier eating habits can further support children’s overall development and success in their educational pursuits. Regarding adults, implementing educational food programs within community-based organizations. Targeting adults will allow for change to begin in the home as adults’ dietary choices significantly influence the entire family’s eating habits. Educational food programs empower children and adults in schools and communities with knowledge and skills to make healthier food choices, encourages them to make informed choices about their diet. Collaboration between schools, communities, and relevant stakeholders is crucial for educational policies to be effective in lowering obesity rates. 

References:

1. Trust for America’s Health. (2021). The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. https://www.tfah.org/report-details/the-state-of-obesity-2021/

2. American Heart Association. (2021). The Impact of Obesity on Your Body and Health.https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/losing-weight/the-impact-of-obesity-on-your-body-and-health

3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021). The Complex Relationship between Obesity and Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/health-effects/

4. Pettinger, T., Christiane, & Anon. (2020, February 25). Policies to reduce obesity. Economics Help. https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/160579/economics/policies-to-reduce-obesity/

5. World Obesity Federation. (2021). Obesity and the Economics of Prevention: Fit Not Fat. https://www.worldobesity.org/resources/resource-library/obesity-and-the-economics-of-prevention-fit-not-fat