Obesity Epidemic Persuasive Essay by TCBZ

In this article, the writer notes that $122.9 billion is the estimated annual cost of obesity in America. Directly related costs account for $64.1 billion, and indirect costs cover the remaining $58.8 billion. The writer points out that direct costs are associated with prevention, diagnostic, and treatment expenses. Indirect costs are attributed to lost wages, sick pay, and earnings lost due to premature death. The writer further notes that obesity is expected to soon surpass the number of deaths caused by tobacco and take the lead position as the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. The writer maintains that it is time for the Federal government to take action and educate the public about the effects of obesity and to tax those that are obese. The writer concludes that the solution to obesity is education and prevention of excessive weight gain, and for funds that would be generated from a tax on obesity to be put towards preventative education programs and the national healthcare budget.