Can't Stop The Obesity Epidemic or Rising Health Insurance
This week a new addition in diet pills was approved for over the counter sale; known as Alli and similar to Xenical, the $500 million dollar a year prescription for those battling obesity in America, Alli has caused a lot of excitement and speculation regarding how much money it can generate in a country plagued by weight problems. But, can these quick fix diet drugs reverse the rising costs of obesity, including those of health care and
health insurance?
Obesity in America is a growing problem with astronomical costs. Today, one in every six children-more than 9 million youths-are overweight, and two out of three of America's adults-130 million people-are either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, The nation spends upward of $100 billion annually on medical expenses related to obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
This problem is epidemic, and it's very, very expensive.
And what about diet pills? Do they really work. For the vast majority the answer seems to be "NO." The ads you see on the Internet and TV are for products that are unregulated, untested and unproven, and they always suggest that users follow "a low-calorie diet and exercise" while using the pills. So does the weight loss come from pills, or from the healthy lifestyle that's supposed to come with them?
And then there are side-effects. According to the
Business Guardian, Alli has to be "taken in conjunction with a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet to avoid the side effect of uncontrollable diarrhea." This, in conjunction with the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, constipation, headache, dry mouth and insomnia, have led most doctors to avoid prescribing diet pills to all but those who need them the most.
It's a sad problem, since obese people are in a fight to save their lives, and while it's important to help them achieve a state of better health, the rising costs of health insurance are making it more and more difficult to do so. Many insurance plans do not provide reimbursement for weight loss treatment. But, when those who can't afford health insurance become sick as a result of obesity, those medical costs are going to be very high and usually long term (unless a rapid lifestyle change can be arranged).
Facts on:
Diet Pills
Did you know...
One in every six children are overweight?
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The result is that obesity, alongside smoking, prescription drugs, and new technology, is contributing to increased insurance premiums and overall cost, a situation that makes achieving that healthy lifestyle both more important
and more difficult.
For true long-term weight loss nutritionists and doctors alike agree that calorie counting, healthy eating, and moderate exercise are the real key to conquering obesity in America. When we can make these options more attractive than the unhealthy, fast food versions out there today, we'll see a real decrease in obesity, in disease, and in health insurance rates.
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