This week, we looked at contributors to obesity and some characteristics of effective public health interventions against obesity. The lecture also touched on obesity-related health and economic costs, which are substantial. Identify a large-scale intervention to reduce obesity-related costs. You may choose a different intervention or base your assignment on one the following subjects:

snack tax (fat tax or obesity tax), possibly coupled with subsidies for healthy foods
insurance coverage for bariatric surgery for eligible patients
use of obesity drugs, e.g., orlistat
obesity screening in Medicare participants and subsequent health behavior counseling
Imagine that your supervisor is preparing a presentation to members of the relevant decision-making body (e.g., Congress, city council, insurance company board members, etc.). Your supervisor has asked for your help in gathering background information on the program you have chosen. Your assignment is to prepare materials that describe the program, including how it works, who funds it, who administers it and the target populations. Identify the program’s costs and potential cost savings. Include an evaluation of the program, e.g., is it cost-effective economically? Does it improve health or quality of life? Are the cost and health benefits enough to justify the cost of the program? Also include at least one chart, graph or other visual element.

***The purpose is to provide your supervisor with easy-to-use information.