The Weight of the Nation: Confronting Americas Obesity Epidemic - Movie Review Example

Many more are equally prone to obesity if necessary health measures fail to take effect. Indeed, the American government is already paying huge medical costs related to obesity. Though the levels of obesity seem to be on a downward trend, various states especially the lower-income states and children are recording more cases that are overweight. Worth noting is the fact that obesity affects both our health and the economy. Indeed, obesity leads to higher healthcare costs and lower productivity thus affecting the economy. The higher the obesity rate, the higher the economic effect. As such, necessary information on the preventive measures of obesity, healthy food intake, and communal participation are necessary to curb the obesity epidemic in America (Nevins and Hoffman, 2012).

However, it is indisputable that as we grow our body’s energy requirements change throughout our life. Hence, we have to choose how to balance our body’s energy requirements at various stages. This of course depends on the available resources since they are always scarce. Our choices rely on the virtue of maximum utility. Additionally, despite the huge financial input, and high-tech tools available to monitor obesity, America is far from establishing a highly effective medication for overweight citizens. Indeed, subject to the high cases of obesity, the demand for these medical services is higher than the available supply. This warrants the government and individuals to make healthy choices that derive much utility with minimum costs of resources. Indeed, since most medications and diets seek to guarantee quick and effective results in keeping weight off, the overweight must consider that which serves them effectively using the available resources.

The scarcity of resources in the lower-income states leads to rising cases of obesity among the residents, as they cannot afford high-cost medical services to control obesity or even better-eating habits that prevent obesity. Nevertheless, it is challenging to maintain weight loss through dietary means only. Physical activities that are generally available to all, equally serve a great purpose in controlling overweight (Nevins and Hoffman, 2012). Indeed, physical activities derive a greater utility than medication with minimal costs. However, some physical activities may require machines that are not affordable to low-income residents. Ideally, despite the economies involved, it is significant for the government and individuals to make choices geared toward curbing obesity in America. This is necessary since the time and finances used in controlling obesity can serve other beneficial economic projects. Worth noting is the fact that any effort to reduce weight has attached results and it is upon us to choose the one with maximum utility.

Indeed, the risk of failing to initiate measures that reduce weight is the occurrence of obesity-related diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Since children are the most prone to obesity, parents must initiate measures that will guarantee their children's health. However, although there is a scarcity of resources, willing parents will avail the necessary finances since the risk of not doing so is more costly. For example, parents should reduce the TV watching hours and instead allocate the marginal hours to physical activity to prevent future weight gain. They should equally reduce the intake of sugar-sweetened drinks by their children since this contributes to weight gain. For both children and adults, we should limit the intake of 100% fruit juice and replace sports drinks and sodas with clean water. Indeed, this is quite economical and guarantees long-term inherent benefits.

It is clear that obesity is a major problem in America and as such, the government should devise a long-term policy to guarantee the health of its citizens. Although this will require more resources, the results are favorable for the economy. This war requires the collaboration of the government with the citizens to seek a more active and healthier society. That way, the government will save the huge costs of financing obesity-related problems, improve its economy, and secure a healthier future generation.