There is an important overlooked topic in the area of healthcare, and with all the talk in Washington about healthcare reform it is important to look at one of the major forces fueling the skyrockets of healthcare prices: obesity.

Obesity is shown to lead to problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. A recent study reports that the cost of treatment for complications resulting from obesity is solely responsible for an extra $140 billion dollars to our healthcare costs. Sound bad? It gets worse. Dr. Thomas Frieden, head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, “Obesity and with it, diabetes, are the only major health problems that are getting worse in this country, and they’re getting worse rapidly.” He further explains that the rate of obesity has doubled over the past generation. The problem is now past social faux pas and is emerging into one of the most important health epidemics facing our nation today.

LaGrange is far from immune from this epidemic. The Georgia Data Summary conducted by the Georgia Department of Community Health monitors obesity and obesity-related statistics in Georgia. Despite their 10-year initiative to lower obesity, the prevalence of the disease in Troup County has increased from less than 10 percent in 1993 to well over 30 percent in 2008. This is only counting what is considered “obese” (BMI above 30), and including the overweight category shoots this number up to almost 60 percent. This is no longer something to be ignored or pushed aside; rather it should be moved to the forefront of social discussions. However, instead of asking how we have dug ourselves in this hole it is much more prudent for us to look at ways to improve this epidemic.

A common misconception is that obesity is entirely the fault of the individual. This is not true. “It’s a glandular problem” can no longer justify the exorbitantly rapid increase of Troup County’s obesity prevalence. Though genetic predisposition can play a role in an individual’s weight, the current issue of obesity as a societal problem has much larger influences. Solutions to the epidemic should be looked at on a much broader scale than the individual. The City of LaGrange has several proven options it could take to battle obesity, many of which stem from initiatives taken by New York City. It turns out those Yankees have some very effective ideas that could easily be put in place here in LaGrange.

First, because of its detrimental effects on heart health, New York City (NYC) began a strategy to ban trans fat from all food-service establishments, and by July 1, 2008 trans fat was forever replaced with healthier fats. LaGrange can benefit from NYC taking this initiative for several reasons aside from the obvious health aspects of providing a healthier food source. NYC was forced to handle the brunt of the legal ramifications that ensued, but in doing so set a legal precedent for other cities to follow suit-and they have. To date 10 local governments, one state, and Puerto Rico have all emulated this landmark achievement in public health, an 17 states are currently considering statewide regulations. Additionally, larger chain restaurants are already feeling the heat from this subject, making it all the more easier to get an ordinance passed in LaGrange allowing for the ban of trans fat.

Secondly, instead of simply providing nutrition information, NYC successfully passed regulation requiring all chain restaurants post calorie information on the menu boards. The reasoning behind this is that posting calorie information will help fight obesity by aiding consumers in making “healthier choices about what to eat and drink” says NYC health commissioner Thomas Frieden. Fast food is one of the major driving forces facilitating the obesity epidemic, and with Arby’s Roast Turkey and Bacon Wrap having 700 calories and only ranking 264th in the highest calorie count among fast food restaurants, there is little argument to the contrary. Who would disagree that seeing Dairy Queen’s large cookie dough Blizzard have a whopping 1320 calories would change a few minds?

The City of LaGrange’s motto is “Smart Move.” Perhaps it is time to put action into that statement. In addition to healthy personal choices, looking at the city as a whole instead of a group of individuals will allow for a more comprehensive effort in improving our health and lowering our healthcare costs.