By: Freewavemaker, LLC (Jerry Nix – Author) Date: 06/17/2023

Note from the author: Throughout this paper you will find information that I was unable to uncover on the internet. I cannot say if this information is actually true or not and leave that entirely to the reader to determine. You will also find my thoughts and opinions on the subject, and I am sure you will have your own. I am not asking you to necessarily agree with my thoughts and opinions – but if you should, then please feel free to pass this article along to others who may be in the same camp; especially to your congress representative and senators. They, above all else, need to read this. The government, in my opinion, like to think they are magicians and “mis-direct” with all their talk. Unfortunately, they are not as good as most magicians at it.

This is what we are being told:

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity and overweight together are the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, close behind tobacco use. An estimated 300,000 deaths per year are due to the obesity epidemic.

The most common causes of death related to obesity include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain types of cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Fatty liver disease

Obesity can also lead to complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It can also increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

The good news is that there are things that can be done to prevent obesity and reduce the risk of death. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet – What is a healthy diet and how do you get it in today’s supermarkets or restaurants without spending more money than should be necessary? Lately it’s only gotten worse with the national rate of inflation being the highest it’s been since the early 1980’s.
• Getting regular physical activity – How about those that have chronic conditions (such as COPD or heart ailments) that may make regular physical activity that much harder, or requiring a trainer that can get expensive?
• Maintaining a healthy weight – And, exactly what is a healthy weight? Everybody is different and not all 5’10” men will have the same so-called healthy weight.

If you are obese, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight and improve your health. There are many effective treatment options available, and you don’t have to go through this alone. I’ve spoken to many doctors about this … but mainly my cardiologist and all he ever tells me is simply to push away from the table sooner. I’m down to two small meals a day as it is, and still putting on the pounds.

The government has several things to say about obesity in America. Here are some of the key points:

• Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States. According to the CDC, as of 2017-2020, an estimated 41.9% of adults in the United States are obese. This means that more than 1 in 2 adults in the US are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity is even higher among certain groups, such as Black adults (49.9%), Hispanic adults (45.6%), and women (42.4%).
• Obesity is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, and physical activity (or lack thereof).
• Obesity can lead to a number of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
• There are a number of things that can be done to prevent obesity, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• The government is committed to addressing the obesity problem in the United States. But are they really? Especially in older adults? Or is this just a part of the “misdirection” I mentioned earlier?

Here are some specific quotes from the government about obesity:

• “Obesity is a serious public health problem that affects millions of Americans.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• “Obesity is a complex problem with no easy solutions, but there are things we can all do to help prevent it.” – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• “The government is committed to addressing the obesity problem in the United States. We are working to create healthier environments and make it easier for people to make healthy choices.” – HHS

The government’s message about obesity is clear: obesity is a serious problem, but there are things that can be done to prevent it. The government is committed to working with individuals, families, and communities to address this problem. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will agree with me that the “commitment” is not there, near as much as their words are. Talk is talk. They love to “talk the talk” but they need to “walk the walk.”

The United States federal government has implemented various initiatives and programs to address the obesity problem in America. Here are some key initiatives:

1. Let’s Move! Campaign: Launched in 2010 by former First Lady Michelle Obama, this initiative aimed to reduce childhood obesity rates through various strategies, such as promoting healthier food choices, increasing physical activity, and improving the nutritional quality of school meals. The total amount of money that the government has spent on the Let’s Move Campaign is not publicly available. I wonder why it is not available … after all it is our money! However, according to a 2017 report by the Government Accountability Office, the USDA spent an estimated $1.5 billion on Let’s Move-related activities between 2010 and 2016. This includes funding for programs such as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the Let’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools program, and the Let’s Move! Active Schools program. It is important to note that this is just a portion of the total amount of money that has been spent on Let’s Move. Other federal agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, have also funded Let’s Move-related activities. Additionally, private organizations have also contributed significant funding to the campaign.
2. Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: Passed in 2010, this legislation authorized funding for child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. It introduced nutrition standards for school meals, requiring healthier options and reduced levels of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. The federal government has spent a significant amount of money on the implementation of the HHFKA. According to the USDA, the federal government has spent over $10 billion on the HHFKA since it was enacted in 2010.
3. Nutrition Facts Label: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented updated nutrition labels in 2016 to provide clearer information about calorie content, serving sizes, and added sugars in packaged foods. The aim was to empower consumers to make more informed choices about their food intake. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that the total cost of implementing the new Nutrition Facts Label (NFL) will be about $2.6 billion over 10 years. This includes the cost of printing new labels, updating computer systems, and training food manufacturers and retailers. I question how many common people really understand what they read on these Nutritional Labels and if it is really worth spending $2.6 Billion of our tax dollars over a 10 year period.
4. Community-based Programs: The federal government has supported community-based initiatives, such as the Healthy Communities Initiative, which promotes collaboration among local stakeholders to create healthier environments that support physical activity and access to nutritious foods. I could not find an answer as to how much of our tax dollars goes into this but I can assure you it is an awful lot considering in includes The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, The Let’s Move Campaign, The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), The Healthy Homes Program, and The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
5. Research and Education: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct research on obesity prevention, treatment, and public health interventions. They also provide educational resources and guidelines to healthcare professionals and the public. The US government spends millions of dollars each year on research and education into the obesity problem in America. According to a 2021 report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NIH spent $350 million on obesity research in 2020. This funding was used to support a variety of research projects, including:

• Studies to identify the causes of obesity.
• Studies to develop new treatments for obesity.
• Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention programs.
• Studies to improve the understanding of the health consequences of obesity.

Study after Study after Study … nothing more than misdirection in most cases. The amount of money that the government spends on obesity research and education is significant. However, it is important to note that this is just a fraction of the total cost of obesity in America. The economic cost of obesity is estimated to be $1.7 trillion per year. This includes the cost of health care, lost productivity, and early death.

1. Medicaid and Medicare Coverage: Government health insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare have increasingly covered obesity prevention and treatment services, including nutritional counseling and weight management programs. Being that I am now old enough to have Medicare coverage, this one really got to me and I will cover it in greater detail later. Again, more misdirection as you will learn in later reading.

Now all of the above programs seem to be okay for the younger generation of Americans and in the long run should pay off handsomely if Americans take part in them. While I am not against the programs themselves, I am against how much money seems to be wasted on them that would be better served going somewhere else.

There seems to be a lot of things going on for the younger portions of the population, but how about us older people now that I am one of them?

My research has found the federal government is taking a number of steps to address the obesity problem in Americans 65 years and older, but are they really doing as much as they should? These include:

Funding research on obesity in older adults. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity in older adults. This research is helping to identify effective ways to help older adults lose weight and improve their health. The federal government spends a significant amount of money on research on obesity in older adults. According to a 2020 report by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the NIA spent $23 million on obesity research in older adults in 2019. This funding was used to support a variety of research projects. The amount of money that the government spends on obesity research in older adults is significant. However, it is important to note that this is just a fraction of the total cost of obesity in older adults. The economic cost of obesity in older adults is estimated to be $230 billion per year. This includes the cost of health care, lost productivity, and early death. In my opinion they are spending money that may not help anyone! Let’s face it, if the economic cost of obesity in older folks is truly $230 billion per year … why are they only spending 1% of that or $23 million per year to help fight it? There is a better way which I will discuss later in this paper. But then, there is usually a better way for the government to fight any battle worth fighting if they really want to WIN THE WAR rather than “misdirect” on the WAR EFFORT.

Developing and disseminating obesity prevention guidelines for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a set of guidelines for obesity prevention in older adults. These guidelines are designed to help older adults make healthy choices that can help prevent obesity. I’m sure most people want to make healthier choices – but at what financial cost?

Supporting community-based obesity prevention programs for older adults. The CDC and other federal agencies provide funding to support community-based obesity prevention programs for older adults. These programs work to create healthier environments and make it easier for older adults to make healthy choices. And who can trust the CDC anymore with the debacle they provided us with during the whole Covid-19 pandemic?

Providing access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities for older adults. The federal government is working to improve access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities for older adults. This includes funding programs that provide healthy food to older adults in low-income communities and that make it easier for older adults to get physical activity. Why must most everything be directed to the young or older adults in low-income communities? The rest of the population has needs and if we are funding the bill for the younger and older adults in low-income communities that is not paying much in the way of taxes how are we to also afford it on top of the taxes?

The federal government’s efforts to address obesity in older adults are ongoing. As the research on obesity in older adults continues to evolve, the government will need to adapt its approach accordingly. However, the government’s current efforts represent a significant step in the right direction. But is it really a step in the right direction? Read on dear friend!

Here are some specific examples of federal government programs that are working to address obesity in older adults:

The Silver Sneakers program is a fitness program offered by many health insurance companies. The program provides older adults with access to gyms, fitness classes, and other healthy activities. Most of the seniors I know of have Medicare to rely on. How much of this is covered by Medicare?

The government does not directly fund the Silver Sneakers program. Silver Sneakers is a fitness program offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans that are designed to provide Medicare benefits. The cost of Silver Sneakers is included in the monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans.

The government does not track how much money is spent on Silver Sneakers by Medicare Advantage plans. However, it is estimated that the program costs billions of dollars each year. If you are a Medicare Advantage plan member, you can check your plan’s website or contact your plan to see if you are eligible for Silver Sneakers. I am not a member of Medicare Advantage and perhaps should be. However, as stated earlier, exercise may not be the best solution for those extremely overweight initially or those suffering from other chronic illnesses such as various lung and heart issues.

The National Senior Games are a series of athletic competitions for older adults. The games provide older adults with an opportunity to get physical activity and to compete in a variety of sports. The government does not directly fund the National Senior Games. The National Senior Games are a series of athletic competitions for older adults that are organized and operated by the National Senior Games Association (NSGA). The NSGA is a non-profit organization that receives funding from a variety of sources, including Corporate Sponsors, State and local governments and Individual donors. The NSGA does not disclose how much money it receives from each source. However, it is estimated that the organization receives around $10 million in total funding each year. The NSGA also uses some of its funding to provide scholarships to athletes who cannot afford to participate in the National Senior Games. There is a cost to participate in each sport in the Senior Games if you’re interested. In addition, unless you’re awarded a scholarship you will also have transportation and accommodation costs as well as food costs. I’ve never heard of these but am sure some of you have. Can’t say I’ve seen anything on them in the deep south, but I may not be paying attention either. Here’s some more information about this if you want to check into it: https://nsga.com/faqs/

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a program that provides nutrition education to low-income older adults. The program helps older adults learn how to make healthy food choices and how to cook healthy meals. The government spends $69.4 million on the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) each year. This funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Again, why are most government programs geared only for low-income adults. Don’t higher income adults also get to darn fat as well? Why is the minority in this country taken care of so much better than the majority is?

These are just a few examples of the federal government’s efforts to address obesity in older adults. The government is committed to working with individuals, families, and communities to address this problem, or so they say! Well let’s see. If you add the numbers of dollars being spent (or wasted) on obesity by the Federal Government each and every year you come up with a whopping amount of over $1.7 trillion.

Exactly how much money is this? If you taped 1.7 trillion-dollar bills end to end the chain of money would stretch out 165,051,722.875 miles. This would be enough to stretch about 70 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. If you could (and you can’t) stack 1.7 trillion-dollar bills on top of each other the stack would be 599,722,217.50 feet high. That would be a stack of money that would stretch 113,584 miles from the earth into space.

Is there another way?

I believe there is. There must be a weight loss prescription drug that can help a person lose weight … especially those that have ailments that may not allow for much exercise until they have dropped the pounds or are suffering from other chronic ailments. We know as people age their metabolism actually does slow down quite a bit … and it is the metabolism the helps one burn calories and burning calories is what causes weight loss. Some things that cause this slowdown is loss of muscle mass, decreased activity levels, and hormonal changes. The amount that metabolism slows down as we age varies from person to person. However, it is estimated that metabolism slows down by about 2-3% per decade after the age of 20. This means that a 30-year-old woman who burns 2,000 calories a day would burn about 1940 calories a day at the age of 60. If they are eating more than 1,940 calories per day, they are fighting a losing battle.

Why doesn’t the government assist the drug manufactures in developing an approved drug for speeding up metabolism?

There are currently no pharmaceuticals that have been approved by the FDA to specifically speed up metabolism in older people. However, there are some medications that may have a modest effect on metabolism. These include:

• Metformin: Metformin is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also has the effect of reducing appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
• Liraglutide: Liraglutide is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also has the effect of increasing fullness, which can lead to weight loss. The picture shows the name brand as Victoza.
• Semaglutide: Semaglutide is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also a more potent version of liraglutide and has been shown to be more effective at promoting weight loss. Also known as Rybelsus or Ozempic.

Please note however that these drugs were invented to fight Type 2 Diabetes and not necessarily weight loss. It is hard to get an insurance company to pay for a drug that is prescribed if you don’t have the disease for which it is prescribed. For some reason insurance companies do not want preventative medicines being paid for.

There are some newer ones on the market as well:

There are a few types of diabetes medications that can help with weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. These medications work by different mechanisms, but they all have the effect of reducing appetite or increasing fullness.

There are currently no diabetes medications approved by the FDA for weight loss in people who are not diabetic, that I am aware of. However, some diabetes medications that are approved for people with diabetes may also help people who are not diabetic lose weight.

• GLP-1 agonists: These medications work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite. GLP-1 agonists include liraglutide (Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic), and exenatide (Bydureon). Also shown above.
• SGLT-2 inhibitors: These medications work by blocking the action of a protein called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2). SGLT-2 is responsible for the reabsorption of glucose from the kidneys back into the bloodstream. Blocking SGLT-2 causes more glucose to be excreted in the urine, which can lead to weight loss. SGLT-2 inhibitors include canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance).
• Thiazolidinediones: These medications work by increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. This can help to lower blood sugar levels and also lead to weight loss. Thiazolidinediones include pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia).

It is important to note that not everyone with type 2 diabetes will lose weight with these medications. The amount of weight loss that occurs will vary from person to person. However, for those who do lose weight, the benefits can be significant. Weight loss can help to improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve overall health.

The problem is (as stated before) … none of these drugs have been approved for weight loss at this time (even though the internet may lead you to believe they have). If they are not approved for weight loss – and you don’t have diabetes – there is no insurance company, to my knowledge, that will cover them … including Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Supplemental Drug Plans.

There is a relatively new drug on the market, Mounjaro (pronounced mown-jar-row) with the generic name being Tirzepatide. This drug was brought out by Lilly and was approved for distribution on May 13, 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Mounjaro is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite. Mounjaro works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the gut and pancreas.

When I first tried to get this medication to help with my weight problem, I was told that it would not be covered by insurance since I did not yet have Type 2 Diabetes, but that it would help me to lose weight. Naturally this was a concern for me so I wrote to the FDA and asked why the drug was not approved for weight loss. Their answer: “Because the manufacturer did not request it be approved for weight loss only for Type 2 diabetes.” Again, another perfect example of the government “shifting the blame and misdirecting.”

Mounjaro is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. The starting dose is 2.5 mg, and the dose can be increased to 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg or 15 mg depending on your individual response and needs.

Mounjaro is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, including:

• Nausea: Nausea is the most common side effect of Mounjaro. It usually goes away after a few weeks.
• Vomiting: Vomiting can also occur with Mounjaro. It is less common than nausea, but it can be more severe.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea can also occur with Mounjaro. It is less common than nausea or vomiting, but it can be more severe.

If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend other medications.

Mounjaro is not right for everyone. You should not take Mounjaro if you have:

• Pancreatitis: Mounjaro can increase your risk of pancreatitis. If you have had pancreatitis in the past, you should not take Mounjaro.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2): Mounjaro can increase your risk of medullary thyroid cancer. If you have MEN 2, you should not take Mounjaro.
• Allergic to Mounjaro or any of its ingredients: If you are allergic to Mounjaro or any of its ingredients, you should not take Mounjaro.

If you are considering taking Mounjaro, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if Mounjaro is right for you.

There have been studies I’ve researched where some people have been able to drop as much as 50+ pounds by simply taking these four shots per month for 1 to 3 months. Boy, at 6 feet tall and 260 pounds I’d love to be able to drop 30 to 50 pounds in a month or two simply by sticking a needle in my gut, upper thigh or back of my arms once per week. The needles are about the size of an eye-lash and there is no pain. I know … I am doing them now. In my first shot this past week there was not even any blood showing where the needle went in.

But here’s the big drawbacks:

1. It is very hard to find a drug store that has these shots in inventory. I’ve checked Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart and several mom-and-pop pharmacies in my area and they’ve been back-ordered since December, 2022 (just 7 months after the drug hit the market). It seems that more are trying to get the drug for weight loss and not Type 2 diabetes at this time. And why not? If its obesity that is one of the causes of Type 2 Diabetes, doesn’t it make sense to try to “nip it in the bud” as quickly as possible.
2. As stated before, your insurance company will not cover most (or in the case of us older people with Medicare, etc.) any of the cost, especially if it is prescribed for weight loss. I found the cost of this medication to be $1,043.00 for the first four shots. That’s about $260.75 per shot. I remember (though I did not partake in it) the cost of “Speed” during the Vietnam war was pennies and worked even faster (though with more severe side effects). I’ve been told that it is hard to get any insurance company to cover “injectables” for weight loss, though some will cover the cost of the less effective pills and tablets.
3. On the Lilly website (www.lilly.com) there is a coupon you can download to get this drug for 1 -3 months for as little as $25.00. Now if you get nothing out of this article there’s a savings of at least $1,018 for a one-month supply.

This is exactly what the coupon has to say …

Experience Mounjaro for as little as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription

If you’re eligible and commercially insured with Mounjaro coverage. Governmental beneficiaries excluded, terms and conditions apply. One month is defined as 28 days and 4 pens. Three months is defined as 84 days and up to 12 pens.

If you have questions, we’re here to help. Call The Lilly Answers Center at 1-833-807-MJRO (1-833-807-6576) if you filled your prescription through mail order and need reimbursement information. Your card expires for redemption refills on December 31, 2023.

THIS OFFER IS INVALID FOR PATIENTS WHOSE PRESCRIPTION CLAIMS ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE REIMBURSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAM.

Here’s the savings card eligibility:

• You have been prescribed Mounjaro consistent with FDA approved product labeling (Type 2 Diabetes, not weight loss) – and I blame Lilly for this fiasco. It seems all they had to do since they knew it would help I weight loss is to submit it for both Type 2 diabetes and weight loss approval.
• You are enrolled in a commercial drug insurance plan (if you are not enrolled in some commercial drug insurance plan you are likely not eligible).
• You are not enrolled in any state, federal, or government funded healthcare program, including, without limitation, Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, DoD, VA, TRICARE^®/CHAMPUS, or any state prescription drug assistance program. If you are enrolled (even though the plan does not cover it) you are not eligible. Why? I have no earthly idea!
• You are a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico
• You are 18 years of age or older

The entire coupon is about two pages long of small print for the customer and the pharmacist taking care of it.

I don’t necessarily blame Lilly for the cost of this drug. I do, however, feel they should take some of the blame for (a) not getting it approved for weight-loss that would prevent people from possibly getting Type 2 diabetes and for coming out with such an insignificant $25 coupon that saves very few people any money at all. More on blame later … but first what are other’s saying about the drug?

A recent National Geographic Article had this to say …

Is Mounjaro the weight-loss drug we’ve been waiting for?

People struggling with obesity are often fighting biology. That’s why a new class of drugs that includes Ozempic is showing more success than behavioral changes like dieting ever have. The newest drug in this group, Mounjaro, is a diabetes drug that the FDA is evaluating as an obesity treatment. Early results show it takes the benefits of Ozempic up a notch. Evaluating does not necessarily equate to approval at this point, but perhaps it is getting close. However, this still does not mean it will be approved my many insurance companies – especially those affiliated with our Federal Government unless someone in Congress steps up and makes it happen.

You can get a copy of this article if you’re willing to take out a one-year subscription to the magazine. I did not since I’d already uncovered this fact.

Here are some people’s thoughts on Mounjaro that I’ve been able to pull off the internet:

• “I’ve been taking Mounjaro for a few months now, and I’ve lost a significant amount of weight. I feel great, and my blood sugar levels are under control.”
• “I’ve been on Mounjaro for a few weeks, and I’ve noticed a big difference in my appetite. I’m not as hungry as I used to be, and I’m able to lose weight more easily.”
• “I’ve been on Mounjaro for a few months, and I’ve had some side effects, but they’re manageable. I’m still losing weight, and my blood sugar levels are under control.”

Overall, Mounjaro seems to be a well-tolerated medication that can help people with type 2 diabetes and obesity lose weight. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting Mounjaro to see if it is right for you.

So, who do I hold are real fault here?

Very simply, the Federal Government. They are spending trillions each year to help people fight obesity and I think most of it is going in the wrong direction. Why don’t they simply (at least for the older folks) provide a benefit – even if it not more than 50% – 75% of the cost of the drug – for those that are on their insurance plans? Why don’t they force other insurance companies to pay for this drug as well (as an injectable) since insurance companies will cover the cost of the less helpful pills for weight loss?

They say that they really want to fight this Obesity problem we have in America – and they may for the younger people. But I have to question their real intent when it comes to the older people. I mean facts are facts. If they get it under manageable control, by directing OUR DOLLARS to these new drugs that could help save lives how much would that potentially increase life expectancy.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 deaths in the United States is related to obesity. Of those deaths, about 40% are in people over the age of 65. This means that about 80,000 people over the age of 65 die each year due to obesity-related causes.

The leading causes of death in people over the age of 65 that are related to obesity include:

• Heart disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, and it is estimated that about 30% of heart disease deaths in people over the age of 65 are related to obesity.
• Stroke: Obesity is also a major risk factor for stroke, and it is estimated that about 15% of stroke deaths in people over the age of 65 are related to obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and it is estimated that about 25% of type 2 diabetes deaths in people over the age of 65 are related to obesity.
• Cancer: Obesity is a risk factor for some types of cancer, including endometrial cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It is estimated that about 5% of cancer deaths in people over the age of 65 are related to obesity.

Medicare and Social Security are already in trouble due to GOVERNMENT WASTE and directing OUR DOLLARS where they will do the least help. Can you imagine what would happen if 80,000 people over the age of retirement lived a few years longer or how about close to a million over the next decade living a decade or so longer?

No, my friends, the government does not want to really do anything about Obesity in America … they simply want to talk and misdirect us as they have been doing for years.

For proof – just look at the government’s war on illegal drugs:

The government’s war on drugs started in 1971, when President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse “public enemy number one.” Nixon’s declaration was a response to the growing problem of drug use in the United States, and it marked the beginning of a major shift in drug policy.

Since then, we’ve probably had 70,000 to 100,000 deaths per year (at least in recent years). If this tracks back to 1971 that means that probably 5.2 million people have died from illegal narcotics alone. What war on drugs?

I’m afraid the war on Obesity is headed in the same direction. A lot of waste with no RESULTS!

Thank you, Uncle Sam!