The Change Mariner: Feds Target Programs Against Obesity

September 15, 2003

Feds Target Programs Against Obesity

Years of dire warnings about obesity's dangers don't seem to be shrinking Americans' girth. Now federal health officials hope programs that target different communities' special needs -- plus financial incentives like Pacificare Health Systems is about to offer -- will work better.
Some Indian tribes in Michigan are about to urge a return to traditional menus like wild rice and fresh fish, in hopes of fighting soaring obesity-caused diabetes.

Boston-area schools will begin teaching students why 100-percent juice is better than soda, and urging parents to limit children's TV time to two hours a day.

And a California-based managed-care company will soon let patients compete for prizes like a mountain bike or, for some, a discount on premiums if they lose weight and exercise.

Posted by Timothy Fredel at September 15, 2003 1:55 PM
Related Categories: Industry - Food | Industry - Healthcare | Industry - Insurance | Quadrant - Political | Theme - 'Obesity Epidemic'

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