Should we just ignore the fact that 62% of the U.S. population is obese? (1) Should we just forget the fact that American kids are increasingly becoming fatter? (2) The answer is "No". Obesity is the root of the problem. Obesity is what I call a "gateway disease" in that it is a risk factor for other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and coronary heart disease. Obesity is reaching a level of 30% or more over one's ideal bodyweight. The economic burden associated with obesity is increasing in the form of rising healthcare costs. Don't believe me? Visit with the CEO of a large company in your area and I'm certain that you will find a very real concern with escalating healthcare costs for that CEO's company as well as its employees. There's a lot of concern all around yet no one seems to know what to do about this threat.

Unfortunately the rewards of a healthy lifestyle are not enough to convince the U.S. population to follow a healthy lifestyle as evidenced by the increasing rate of obesity. A recent study showed that exercise is hard for most people to stick with. The study showed that 50 percent of the participants quit exercising within 6 - 8 weeks, and another 25 percent quit by the end of the year, according to sports psychologist William F. Morgan of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Why is this? There is more than enough information available for anyone to follow a healthy lifestyle but where is the incentive?

"What's in it for me?" is an all too commonly asked question in this day and age. My proposal is to ask the healthcare insurers to offer an incentive to folks that minimize their usage of medical benefits. By following a healthy lifestyle, research shows that 85% of diseases can be prevented. (3) If more people improve their health through diet and exercise, then ultimately, they place less of a burden on the entire healthcare system leaving room for others with uncontrollable illness and disease. If fewer people are utilizing the services of their health care plans, due to following a healthier lifestyle, shouldn't the ever-increasing rates go down? The healthcare rates are going up because more and more people are submitting claims. Shouldn't the opposite be true?

Don't misunderstand my message. I am not suggesting that people should ignore health problems, while refusing healthcare. Let me repeat myself. By following a healthy lifestyle, research shows that 85% of diseases can be prevented. (3) The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has a saying, which states "build health or invite illness".

There is some good news in that we can do something about it. I'd like to offer a potential solution. The solution will lower healthcare costs, including the cost of healthcare, and at the same time motivate the U.S. population to reverse the trend of increasing obesity. The incentive, provided by healthcare insurers to U.S. workers, would be monetary. At the end of the fiscal year insurers would reward workers who have minimized medical healthcare usage with a rebate, perhaps 50% or more, of each persons yearly medical insurance payment. Over time everyone wins - the insurance companies in the form of less claims, the employer in the way of less money spent on employee healthcare coverage, and finally, the U.S. worker in the form of better health and decreased medical insurance premiums.

"OK" you say, "I'm motivated now and am going to get in shape by next week!" Hold the phone, Joe Q. Public. If you are already sedentary and obese then you should not take on too much too soon in the way of exercise. The key is to gradually build up to one's desired level of fitness. Hiring a qualified certified personal trainer is one of the smartest decisions one can make in regards to ones health. Anyone can fall on the floor and perform pushups and sit-ups. Is this the most efficient way to get into shape? Probably not. The science of exercise is always evolving. There are numerous avenues to take when traveling the road to fitness. Make sure you follow the right road. A qualified certified personal trainer will ensure the most efficient route.

In summary, the facts show that this country is becoming more and more obese. The illnesses associated with obesity have been clearly stated in this article. The increasing costs of healthcare will continue to rise. The Surgeon General is deeply concerned about our country's health. Our children will continue to get fatter. What will happen if nothing is done? We, the people, have the power to fix this problem. Let's take back our health and decrease our healthcare costs. Let's fulfill our duty as health professionals and demand that action be taken. If we don't, who will?

Scott York, CFT
Email: SY40964@aol.com

References Cited
(1) Dr. David Thompson, Innovus Research Inc.
(2) Lindsay Tanner, "American Kids Are Getting Fatter"
(3) ISSA, Fitness: The Complete Guide