Waubonsee Community College

The fattening of America, how the economy makes us fat, if it matters, and what to do about it, Eric A. Finkelstein, Laurie Zuckerman

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The fattening of America

bibliography

156994530

Eric A. Finkelstein, Laurie Zuckerman

"What's behind the sudden, explosive rise in obesity rates? In a word, it's economics. Author Eric Finkelstein, a renowned health economist who has spent much of his career studying the economics of obesity, with the help of coauthor Laurie Zuckerman, reveals why America's growing waistline is a by-product of our economic and technological success. Because of declining food costs, especially for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, and increasing usage of technology, which make Americans more sedentary, the environment has changed in such a way that we're eating more calories and burning off less." "Finkelstein and Zuckerman blend theory, research, and engaging - sometimes hilarious - personal anecdotes to break down the causes and the consequences of America's obesity epidemic. One by one, they explore the media's claim that obesity is making our businesses less competitive, pushing good jobs overseas, hurting our military readiness, increasing our taxes, and helping to bankrupt the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. Along the way, the authors also reveal how the obesity epidemic has spurred tremendous demand for all sorts of new products and services, creating a flourishing new market that they call "The ObesEconomy."" "The Fattening of America outlines the issues we must deal with to confront obesity. The authors explore the role that businesses and policymakers play in America's obesity epidemic, and explain that successful obesity prevention strategies need to do exactly the opposite of where the economy is taking us. They need to make it cheaper and easier to be thin - not fat. However, because obesity is a natural by-product of an expanding economy, the authors question whether or not obesity prevention efforts, even if successful, would actually leave some individuals worse off."--Jacket

how the economy makes us fat, if it matters, and what to do about it

Introduction : answering the age-old question : why is Uncle Al so fat? -- 1. Craze or crisis? -- So why now? -- My soccer team eats oranges -- So how about adults? Are we gaining, too? -- A growing waistline can be bad for your health -- But are we the only ones gaining weight? -- The longer you stay, the bigger you get -- 2. I'll take a deep-fried coca-cola -- First things first -- Cheap food gets cheaper -- The rise of French-fried potatoes -- Please pass the high-fructose corn syrup -- A full pound of sausage, bacon, and ham : have a meaty morning -- Too much of a good thing -- Kids are also drinking the Kool-Aid -- When is enough enough? -- 3. Why we're moving less (Hint : it's not just the La-Z-Boy) -- But I don't have time! -- Not quite the Jetsons, but ... -- Just be a marathon runner -- We're not farmers anymore -- Sprawling out -- Our kids are also slowing down -- Wrapping it up4. So where else can we lay the blame? -- Blame mom and dad -- Then just blame mom (you know you will anyway) -- Blame the meds -- Blame the cigs (one more theory goes up in smoke) -- Blame the all-nighter -- Blame the air conditioner (not cool) -- Blame pollution (it's dirty business) -- Blame that nasty "fat bug" -- It's the economy, stupid -- 5. Beware : moral hazard -- Just bill my health insurance -- Is obesity as bad as it used to be? -- Just take a pill or get a procedure -- 6. So we're fat, who cares? -- Is Uncle Al overweight? -- C'mon now, we're only utility maximizing -- Now, let's tear this argument apart (and put it back together) -- So should dad (and the government) care that Uncle Al is obese? -- Just follow the money -- 7. The role of government -- Market failures -- Externalities -- Market power -- Public goods -- Obesity and national defense -- Imperfect (asymmetric) information -- Is there a role for government?8. Weighing the public policy issues (for adults) -- Equity -- Irrationality -- Compelling public need -- Revisiting past policy -- The road ahead -- Summing up -- 9. Weighing the public policy issues (for kids) -- First, a step back -- Child abuse? -- School-based regulations -- Your mouth will really groove -- In closing -- 10. The employer's dilemma -- Why don't businesses invest more in the health of their workforce? -- The dirty secret about employee wellness programs -- So what's an employer to do? -- Could these programs get me in legal hot water? -- 11. The obeseconomy -- Just how big is the weight-loss industry? -- Just take a pill -- Bigger and better -- Invest in new technology -- In the name of progress -- 12. How to lose weight like an economist -- Economic weight-loss techniques -- A few more secrets to success -- Conclusion