By Lois M. Collins
Deseret Morning News
October 5, 2007

The obesity epidemic is poised to shorten lives and consume too many of America's health-care dollars. It's also a major roadblock to ending health disparities based on race and ethnicity, according to former U.S. surgeon general Dr. David Satcher.
"It's a serious threat to the future and health of the nation," he said Thursday during the University of Utah's nonpartisan Siciliano Forum, which focuses on issues of importance to American Society.

Satcher's message was simple: We have to stop putting 95 percent of our health resources into treatment and focus more on prevention, including more physical activity and better nutrition.

Adopting healthy lifestyles and reducing obesity is doable, he said, but it will take concerted efforts of individuals, communities, government, schools, employers, health-care providers and others. And it won't happen unless we also figure out a way to deal with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which foil attempts to live better, healthier lives.

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