The American government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to understand obesity and have emerged with relatively simple answers.
According to Judicial Watch:
In fiscal year 2011 obesity research totaled $830 million, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s medical research agency. Some of the earth-shattering revelations that have come from this expensive work appear to be common sense.
For instance, the studies have determined that "effective lifestyle changes" can be implemented in communities (presumably the poor ones that are disproportionately affected) to reduce weight, lower risk factors for heart disease and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In other words, eat less and exercise more. Researchers have also found that exposure in the womb to maternal obesity or diabetes may increase the risk of obesity or diabetes in offspring.
The surge in spending arose on the heels of First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to eradicate obesity among children.
