Less Is More: A Scientifically Simple, But Politically Fraught Solution to the Obesity Epidemic

According to recent estimates, the costs of treating obesity related disease has reached $170 billion or 16.5% of national spending on health care. In addition, obesity-related illness greatly diminishes worker productivity and quality of life. This toll will inexorably rise as the impact of the pediatric obesity epidemic mounts, overwhelming the health care system and undermining the international competitiveness of our society. The causes of obesity are multifactorial, but two influences have contributed inordinately: the commoditization of the food supply and ascent of the automobile as primary means of transportation.  These developments have been promoted under the auspices of convenience. However, over the long-term, their adverse impact on diet quality and physical activity level will create great inconvenience in terms of human suffering and economic losses.  Ultimately, the obesity epidemic can be viewed as a disease of technology with a simple, but politically difficult solution.