Different nations take different approaches to improving the health of their populations. I’m quite confident that no one in the United States holding elected or appointed office is likely to suggest copying Japan’s new policy. It also is far too early to gauge whether it will prove successful.

On the other hand, it is widely agreed by essentially everyone that has studied the issue that if current levels and trends for obesity, diabetes and associated cardiovascular problems are not reversed in the near future, health care systems of major nations (including the U.S.) will collapse under the financial burden. Not to mention the pain and suffering of the people afflicted with these problems.

What is the proper role of government here? How much intervention is too much?  How much intervention is too little? How do we determine when we’ve gotten it just right? To be successful, a strategy will need to be acceptable to a substantial majority of the population and the electorate. Without attempting to prejudge the outcome, it seems reasonable to suggest that open discussion of this issue is needed as part of the coming health reform debate.

By Daniel Redwood, DC

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