HEALTH

Wealth and Waistlines

A new book explains how the obesity epidemic has been shaped by economics, and what we can do to reverse the trend.

By Jennifer Barrett | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 28, 2007 | Updated: 1:12  p.m. ET Dec 28, 2007

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  • Posted By: aopeeks @ 01/07/2008 1:47:05 PM

    Hey, I'd love to do all my shopping at Whole Foods and get really great, fresh, fresh, fresh organic food, free-range meats, Alaskan salmon, etc., but there's a reason they call it "Whole Paycheck". Good food is EXPENSIVE, not cheap. Walking is wonderful, healthful exercise, but so many people live in places where it's just not pleasant to walk--not safe, loud, dirty air, etc. Educating people on GOOD food and providing beautiful, relaxing environment to walk is the key.

    • Posted By: Bullsfan @ 01/18/2008 4:44:45 PM

      excuses, excuses! so buy frozen veggies and fruit.... not expensive! neither are fresh bags of apples and bananas.
      and do some jumping jacks in your house. or do you not feel safe in there either?
      any other excuses you wanna throw out there? come on! I know you must have something better!

  • Posted By: Cathexis @ 01/18/2008 1:59:44 PM

    I suggest that it may be overly simplistic to generally correlate "overweight" with "wealth/ economic standing." While that may well be a factor in SOME cases, remember that the cheapest foods tend to be nutrionally deficient and calorie dense, contributing to the obesity occurrences among the lower socio-economic rungs (of otherwise industrialized countries).

    • Posted By: health_guru1 @ 01/18/2008 3:48:58 PM

      You are right. Actually, that is exactly the point the author made in his famous article published on May 13, 2003, "National Medical Spending Attributable to Overweight and Obesity. How much, and Who's Paying." It seems to me that Dr. Finkelstein just reversed himself now, calling obesity a necessary result of prosperity.

      People in all kind of socio-economic classes can be fat, and they have all kind of excuses. No time. No money. Too much travel and eating out. No car to drive to good grocery stores. No side walks, etc. But the truth is unhealthy life style appeals to our nature, and the only way to like vegetables and exercise is by discipline. However, generally speaking, people of higher income are less likely to be fat, because they have good education, which requires disciplines and the ability to make good choices. They tend to have more resistence to immediate gratification.

      Dr. Finkelstein's idea that since we have technology to treat all the obesity-caused problem, we should just let everyone be happy and fat. I agree that people have the right to choose their own life style. But I certainly don't like to pay for their consequence. At a time when our health care is bankrupting our country, this book appeals to the lowest common denominator, and sends out the wrong message to a mass already too good at finding excuses.

  • Posted By: Cathexis @ 01/18/2008 2:03:43 PM

    Also, the speaker states: "In order to be a cost-saving program, employees would have to lose enough weight, keep it off long enough and stay with the company long enough so that the reduction in health-related costs would be borne by the company. In reality, people change jobs every five years on average, so these programs are unlikely to pay off for most firms. "

    Let me ask ... when a person leaves one company, where do they go?

    I'll go out on a limb and guess "to another company." With a closed system like that, if you could get consensus from all companies, then when they hired a person who left another company, they'd gain the benefits of the fitness program used.

    If they don't gain such a consensus, then companies with fitness programs merely subsidize those companies who hire thos eemployees, later.

  • Posted By: Bullsfan @ 01/03/2008 2:16:38 PM

    I'm going to be blunt here for one minute.....
    In MOST cases... people are fat, because they are poor, because they are lazy! You're probably on welfare or below the poverty line because you are lazy! Therefore, you can't afford the "expensive" healthy foods, and you are fat. I live on less than $10,000 per year, work, go to school, and I can afford healthy or at least decent foods. I am so tired of hearing that excuse! It is an excuse for lazy/ poor people. I'm sorry, but the two go hand in hand! Maybe if you had been raised right, you would have a job, take the time to make a cheap, healthy turkey sandwich for lunch instead of saying "oh, poor me, I work two jobs and don't have time to make a gourment healthy meal... let me just run through the half hour drive thu line at McDonalds." Seriously, for all of your "reasons" there is a reason why it is an excuse.

    • Posted By: health_guru1 @ 01/18/2008 3:27:07 AM

      Some poor people are not necessarily lazy. They just lack disciplines and make stupid decisions. I agree with you. Healthy food is not always expensive. In Texas, huge ruby grapefruits in the winter and mangoes in the summer are often 33 cents. Greens are 95 cents a big bunch. Asparagus, snow peas and berries are expensive. But one does not have to eat them to be healthy.

      Most Americans buy packaged precut vegetables, which is terribly expensive. They can save a lot of money if they do their own washing and cutting.

  • Posted By: gorgeousgeorge @ 01/13/2008 1:46:09 PM

    You CANNOT tell a person's health just by looking at him. You CANNOT tell his personal habits simply by his appearance and you CANNOT tell how "virtuous" he is by his appearance, or what "choices" he is making. Let me make this very simple: Assuming an entire group of people behaves a particular way because of the behavior you've seen ONE person who belongs to that group exhibit, is BIGOTRY. (And very, very stupid). Assuming anyone holds a particular belief, or acts a certain way, or thinks a certain way, because of his appearance is BIGOTRY. When it comes to obesity, the "health" and "economic" theories are merely shields that lazy thinkers can conveniently hide their bigotry behind. And as to that, not all fat people are unhealthy, and just because they might seek medical care does NOT mean fat caused their particular ailment. Further, fat people pay both taxes and insurance. Even if you want to persist in the utterly wrongheaded belief that weight is always deadly and always the result of "choice," and from that standpoint, either deny healthcare or charge more for it, you would have to do the same thing across the board. That is, the government would have to begin policing EVERYONE for "lifestyle choices," and become the final arbiter between what is a "legitimate" illness and what is the result of "irresponsibility." If that prospect doesn't frighten you, it should.

    • Posted By: health_guru1 @ 01/18/2008 3:15:23 AM

      You said "fat people are not always unhealthy". I don't know where you got this info. Statistics show they have a much higher rate for diabetes, hypertension, blocked artery, kidney problems, etc. Yes. Fat people pay taxes and premium. But they don't pay more than those healthy people, yet they use more health care. Let's face it, health insurance is a misnomer. It is not an insurance. We all try to be good drivers because accidents will raise our insurance premium. While medicare, medicaid or employer provided health 'insurance' charge everyone the same, regardless of his history or life style.

      No. I don't want the government to monitor us. It is impossible to determine if any illess is 'legitimate' or 'self inflicted'. But the current health insurance system is bankrupting the US. (This is not a surprise. One out of three Americans is obese. Can you imagine how much your home insurance will be if one out of three houses is burned down?) Unless people start taking responsibility for their own health, the US economy will go down the drain soon.

      I believe people should be free to make their own choice as long as they don't hurt others. If they want to eat, drink, watch TV, and get sick, it is their choice - at least they got some fun out of what they did. A life without fun is not worth of living. (I get my fun from healthy food and exercise. This is not because I have different genes. Rather, it is because I disciplined myself to get fun from my regiment.) But the society cannot spend unlimited amount of money to treat his illness caused by his obesity. I used to think I wanted to be an organ doner. Not any more, because there are just too many people who abuse their health. If there were unlimited supply of organs, probably 50% of our GNP would go to health care !!

  • Posted By: mercyman88 @ 01/15/2008 8:19:35 AM

    A year ago I weighed 412 pounds, now I weigh 310 , its a process and you have to be in for the long haul.
    I didnt get this way over night, so I cant talk it off overnight.

    My Keys to weight loss,

    1. Stop drinking regular pop/soda averages 100 calories per 8 oz serving, put another way thats 20 minutes son the treadmill averageing 3mph to burn that off.

    2. Drink Water- no calories.

    3. WALKING - i WALK ON AVERAGE OF 2-4 MILES DAY 5 DAYS A WEEK, YES YOUR BODY NEEDS TIME TO REST .

    4. Watch less TV I got rid of mine at home and now only watch Tv when I walk at the Gym. Amazing how things like that go hand in hand.

    5. Set goals, take photos, and reward yourself.

    6. My Father died from heart disease in 2006 and I was on my way tobecomming a victim f it to unless I did something to reverse the trend. Well I have, and I will continue until I reach my weight goal.

  • Posted By: fat_police2 @ 01/11/2008 7:31:59 PM

    So fat people are happy. But what about the cost of health care to ALL of us?

    I cannot believe this book is from a health economist. He did not address the cost of health care at ALL

  • Posted By: skinnyminny2 @ 01/10/2008 3:34:08 PM

    Regarding my strict regimen, I should have noted I'm a competitive runner and need to be very light (5'8 115 lb). A lot of foods don't agree with me (like sugar), so it's easier for me to maintain. Plus, my job is outdoors and very physical--having endurance and being in shape is pretty much a job requirement. Running is my meditation, too. I agree that most people wouldn't be happy doing all this.
    Ifjourney, I'm glad to hear you're happy where you are. My only objection was that when people want better results they might have to push harder (some people want results without the work). If that's not possible, they'll have to learn to be happy where they're at. All just fine, as long as the person is really happy doing what they're doing. And there are genetic differences, too.

  • Posted By: skinnyminny2 @ 01/09/2008 8:25:38 PM

    re: ifjourney59
    If you're happy at 215, great. I wouldn't judge anyone who is really happy with themselves regardless of weight. But, if you can't get the scale to budge and want to lose more, I guarantee if you exercise a hard 1.5 hours a day and eat just 1200 calories, it will come off unless you have a medical reason.
    I run 7-9 miles every day and eat mostly vegetables and lentils to stay very thin. I work my tail off and it is not easy. I count every bite, every calorie. No sugar, no butter, no oil in anything (occasional peanut butter).
    You get used to it.

    • Posted By: lfjourney59 @ 01/10/2008 2:40:36 PM

      skinny, thanks for your gracious answer. I am actually very happy with my life. I salute you for your endurance, but I don't think I'd be happy if I followed your regimen. Life is too short to spend it running and eating lentils. mrsd, I appreciate your comments. You seem like the kind of person who wouldn't insist chubby people starve and do hard labor just so they'll look like you. Skinny people everywhere...see what it takes for some of us to be thin? Unless you're willing to subject yourselves to the same, please give us some slack!

    • Posted By: mrsavizdrav @ 01/10/2008 1:48:56 PM

      Count every bite, every calorie, run 7-9 miles a day? Isn't that a bit too much? If you are happy with a life like that, that's OK, but I'm afraid most of people can't follow such a strict diet regimen.
      I am a 5'6", 124 lbs, 37 years old woman. I almost never exercise and I don't count calories. But I watch what and how much I eat. I cook most of the meals for my family, from scratch. That has been a part of my "work-out" routine for every day since college. I work part-time, so I have enough time for everything. Of course, less work means less money earned, but how would I use the extra money? For eating out, for paying somebody to mow my lawn and do the housework, for a bigger home and bigger car (like this planet needs more pollution)...
      I think the key of being thin and healthy is in doing everything in moderation: a balanced diet, an active lifestyle, less stress over material things...

  • Posted By: lfjourney59 @ 01/08/2008 10:01:43 PM

    Thin people are not morally superior--they're biologically lucky. Some people are fat because they eat too much and don't exercise. Many of us, though, have tried everything and can't get it (or keep it) off. Those of you who have shared such harsh words, please don't make it even harder for us. I would recommend a book: Rethinking Thin by Gina Kolata, the science writer for the New York Times. It will change the way you see overweight people.

  • Posted By: gorgeousgeorge @ 12/29/2007 12:13:10 AM

    There is absolutely nothing new presented in this article. We've heard the same theories over and over and over. I am disappointed Newsweek does not challenge these widely held notions--especially when their sources contradict themselves. He says in one breath it's not about willpower, then proceeds merrily on to insist that it is. The fact is, people do not "choose" to be obese any more than they "choose" to be tall or short. The fact is, many fat people DO exercise and eat healthfully. It's equally true that plenty of thin people do not. Weight may be cause for great debate, but the one thing it is NOT indicative of is virtue. The problem is people don't like to hear that, for the most part, they have limited control over their body size. Thus, they attack anyone who suggests otherwise, and insist that person is "just making excuses." Newsflash for Newsweek: Fat people have nothing to excuse, but if you're hell bent on some "explanation," do try to at least avoid tired theories.

    • Posted By: lfjourney59 @ 01/08/2008 9:21:47 PM

      It's true--many of us who struggle with weight do exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. I'm a vegetarian and stay away from processed food. I exercise at least 30 minutes every day. I weigh 215 lbs and cannot get the scale to budge. It's terribly frustrating, and it's hurtful to live in a society where my size is considered a moral issue instead of a biological issue. People, have some pity on us! We're not all lazy gluttons.

  • Posted By: skinnyminny2 @ 01/08/2008 7:05:59 PM

    Oh come on.....healthy food isn't necessarily expensive. So don't get the alaskan salmon or the organic vegetables. Brown rice, lentils, fruit/vegetables in season are all reasonable. Even frozen vegetables are reasonable.
    And as far as walking environments, I knew a guy who'd walk the same four flights of stairs during lunch just to get his workout in. Where there's a will, there's a way.
    Stop with the excuses already.

  • Posted By: rosenamj @ 01/06/2008 12:03:38 PM

    I disagree with this author's point of view - it's fatalistic. Exercising does not have take up that much time - just 30 minutes, 4 times a week at a fast walk is recommended. On top of that, center your food intake around fresh vegetables, drink a lot of water and voila, you are not overweight or obese. But people would have to learn to think/act outside the norm to do this, and most are patently uncomfortable doing that. Which sucks because unhealthy people cost a lot of money - preventable disease take up something like 80% of all health care costs. Would you rather spend that extra money on vegetables or on your health insurance premium?

  • Posted By: IslandNation @ 01/01/2008 11:46:31 PM

    I have relatives who wonder outloud why they are overweight (and I/others are not), while munching through a boox of cookies or the like.

    As I said to my mother when one particular person left the kitchen - try eating less and exercising more.

    I don't belong to a gym or play any competitive sports - I don't have the money, time, or interest. I do walk when / where I can, try not to eat (too much) junk food and eat at home with the family whenever possible. I try to stop eating when I'm full. It helps offset sitting on a chair 12 hours a day at work.

    I don't have anything resembling a washboard stomach and I've definitely put on weight slowly as I've gotten older (40+). Still, I'm healthier than most of my colleagues including those younger than me with lower counts of most bad things in my blood and all that.

    Eat less.

    Exercise more.

    Think about it.

  • Posted By: fotoking @ 01/01/2008 11:16:06 PM

    The safest bet on fat free and safe foods are but not 100% home grown or hunted. Heirloom vegetables, wild game and free range farm produce. Most urbanites do not have the time to raise vegetables or put in the time and effort to harvest free range game or gather the fruits produced from domestic farm animals. It is the lack of side walks, city centers, and the monsanto genetics that keep America obese.

  • Posted By: fotoking @ 01/01/2008 11:15:47 PM

    The safest bet on fat free and safe foods are but not 100% home grown or hunted. Heirloom vegetables, wild game and free range farm produce. Most urbanites do not have the time to raise vegetables or put in the time and effort to harvest free range game or gather the fruits produced from domestic farm animals. It is the lack of side walks, city centers, and the monsanto genetics that keep America obese.

  • Posted By: pochero @ 01/01/2008 11:12:43 PM

    Mr. Finkelstein seems to have ignored Japan and South Korea -- two countries with very advanced economies, where obesity doesn't seem to be a problem.

  • Posted By: phiomalibumalibu @ 01/01/2008 9:57:20 PM

    For simple diet tips regardless of how much money you have go to wonderrx.com

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 12/30/2007 7:05:09 AM

    FOR ALL YOU FAT INDIVIDUALS YOU NEED TO VOTE FOR OBAMA. HE HAS WORKE VIGOURSLY FOR FAT INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS YOURSELF. LOOK AT HIS RECORD.
    : sANDY, EDWARDS IS DESpERATE. thIS MAN FOLLOWED JOHN KERRY. HE WILL DO AND SAY ANYTHING. EVEN IF HE MEANS IT NOW IT IS TOO LATE. OBAMA AND CLINTON ARE TOO SMART, THEY KNOW THAT WHAT YOU SAY TODAY COULD FINISH YOU TOMORROW. ONLY A CANDIDATE WITH NOTHING TO LOSE WILL SAY WHAT EDWARDS IS SAYING. WHAT HAS HE DONE. BE HONEST. HILLARY IS pROUD THAT SHE WENT AGIANST HER pRINCIpLES TO GIVE BUSH A BLAND CHECK. WHY. IT WAS GOOD FOR WESTERN NEW YORK. HILLARY IS NOT STUpID IF THE WAR HAD NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES IN BUFFALO, SHE WOULD HAVE VOTED AGAINST IT. TRANSpERENCY SOMETHING NIETHER pARTY WANTS. NO ONE LIKE GETTING CAUGHT WITH THEIR pANTS DOWN AND THEN LECTURE ABOUT JUDGEMENT CALLS.

    • Posted By: HeatherC46 @ 01/01/2008 5:10:31 PM

      Perhaps you should redirect your comments to a more appropriate page...such as the election message boards.

  • Posted By: chansonsmom @ 12/31/2007 9:12:41 PM

    Essentially this is a personal issue, and if one is not motivated to be healthy it won't happen regardless of the compelling reasons. The article mentioned shorter life span and health complications in the long run but did not stress the benefits of being healthy here and now. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle cause more than long-term disease. They cause chronic fatigue and problems like insomnia and musculoskeletal issues. This translates directly into a quality of life issue. The people who don't want to give up their high-paying salaries (an excuse at any rate) might be surprised to find their quality of life improve by taking care of their bodies, even with a cut in pay. This is altogether an issue of motivation, not economics. Someone motivated will find time to exercise even if s/he works 80 hours per week, and an unmotivated individual who is unemployed will not. Besides, there are lots of healthy alternatives to restarant trash, even at the fast-food level. It's time people take responsibility for themselves.

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