Obesity and Conservatism

As conservatives we frequently laugh at the obesity police and the Oreo ambulance chasers. I've split my share of sides at the notion of the government dictating our diets.

But as conservatives we need to confront the brutal facts about the Healthcare system. We need to understand that there are very real economic impacts to obesity. So we need to ask: do we need to do something? And what more can we do?

This is another point in a long list of issues where conservatives need to think hard about their stance and position.

Recently New York Times personal-health columnist Jane Brody encouraged employers to offer on-site or company-paid fitness programs. When the words "New York Times" and "encourage employers" will bring chills to any conservative's spine... the idea has merit.

Earlier this year, the CEO of General Motors lamented that he didn't expect that healthcare and retirement plan administration would be a major part of his job. Conservatives need to face up to the reality that corporations foot a good deal of the bill for their employees healthcare and that improving the health of employees is a good thing for the bottom line.

As conservatives, we rightly shun government intrusions into the marketplace and I'm not suggesting it here. However, the recent movements to pull soda machines from schools, encourage companies to boost proactive care offerings, and efforts to curb obesity among Americans seem justified on many levels.

Your thoughts?