Obesity is a contributor to more than 15 chronic conditions. And along with those related health problems it’s responsible for $140 million in annual medical expenses in Vermont.
The spotlight is on the disease right now. Last month Vermont’s Health Care Reform Commission released a report calling for a "breakthrough improvement" in the obesity trends in Vermont. And Governor Douglas even singled it out in last week’s State of the State address.
Chris Finley is Vermont Deputy Commissioner of Public Health. Chittenden County Democratic Senator Doug Racine chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare and is a member of the Health Care Reform Commission. They spoke with VPR’s Jane Lindholm about the issue.