Here are eight notes:
1. The United States needs to change the infrastructure that supports unhealthy choices that lead to severe health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
2. The obesity problem is causing lower life expectancy rates among children and has the potential to wipe out healthcare.
3. Within the next two decades, experts project obesity will be a leading cause of death, surpassing tobacco use.
4. The high obesity rates are a major threat to the healthcare industry and the broader economy. The healthcare costs linked to obesity are costing our economy large amounts of capital and will ultimately lead to the collapse of our economy.
5. In 2010, 86 percent of all healthcare spending was for individuals with one or more chronic medical conditions, with the majority of these conditions brought about by poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption.
6. The CDC reported the estimated annual medical cost to treat obesity-related diseases was $147 billion in 2007.
7. In an effort to combat obesity, health officials the article authors recommend using public service announcements and high-shock value communication techniques.
8. One possible solution is for the nation to form community coalitions to address obesity-related issues in specific communities.
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