The Blame Game: Who’s Responsible for Health and Wellness?

The United States spends more money on healthcare than any other country, and one contributing factor for America’s astronomical healthcare costs is obesity. The majority of American adults are either overweight or obese, which puts millions of Americans at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic diseases. Obesity-related illnesses constitute more than 20% of U.S. healthcare costs; this serves as a strong catalyst for government intervention. As a consequence, healthcare and tax policies are now designed to deter consumers’engaging in behaviors that promote overweight and obesity. For example, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act allows employers offering wellness programs to charge obese employees 30% to 50% more for health insurance benefits; some municipalities enforce higher taxes on soda, candy, and other unhealthy foods; and school districts have discontinued the sale of junk food in school vending machines. While policymakers may perceive such attempts to address overweight and obesity as ideal, a new study indicates that consumers disagree.

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a national survey to determine consumer opinions on obesity, its causes, and the best way to stem the obesity tide. Americans believe obesity is a national health crisis, but do not place much blame on junk food purchased at supermarkets. Instead, they place responsibility squarely on too much time staring at screen-based gadgets (e.g., televisions, computers, videogames, etc.) and the widespread availability of cheap fast food. Only a third of American consumers say that the government should find solutions to obesity; a slightly higher amount believes the government should focus its efforts elsewhere. More than half believe that individuals should decide for themselves how to resolve their weight problems.

Most consumers have no conflict with requiring more physical activity in school and providing calorie counts and other nutritional guidelines, but 60% oppose taxes that target unhealthy foods and beverages. Moreover, nearly three-quarters of consumers disagree with restrictions on which foods people can buy, such as New York City’s ban on supersized fountain sodas. Although they disapprove of policies that restrict or penalize food choices, consumers are very supportive of offering incentives to the food industry to produce healthier options. Of course, increased availability of healthier food may not necessarily lead to decreased waistlines. There are plenty of healthy food options already available; what seem to be lacking in today’s society are personal responsibility and the will to make better lifestyle choices.

Fifty percent of meals are eaten outside of the home. Fast food may offer a quick and convenient way to feed families, but such meals are disproportionately high in calories, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. Recent research by Cornell University indicates that irregular and long work hours drive the decision to purchase takeout food, yet many Americans spend more time watching television than preparing and cooking their own meals. In fact, a number of consumers do not even know how to cook. Studies show that family dinners prepared at home reduce the incidence of obesity, but consumers must choose to dedicate the time and effort to cook a meal. If people can spend hours watching television, searching the Internet, and standing in line for the latest electronic gadget, then they have time to dedicate to their health and wellness (i.e., cooking nutritious meals at home and engaging in physical activity). For some reason, consumers choose to ignore the fact that good health is far more valuable than anything they can watch on television, post on the Internet, or purchase at a retail outlet. According to the Associated Press-NORC survey, despite their acceptance that obesity is a health crisis, most of those surveyed are unaware that overweight and obesity increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. They are, however, fully aware of the links between excess weight and heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Consumers may not want food restrictions or added taxes on unhealthy food, but there is a clear need for effective strategies to induce personal esponsibility and better lifestyle choices.

Toni Tarver is Senior Writer/Editor for Food Technology magazine ([email protected]).