History John Brown

Political

Health care is one of the top concerns in any political debate of the ongoing election. Obesity is on the rise, and quickly. A report by Dr. Maureen Braun, with the ABC news medical unit, reports that more than half of Americans could be obese. The result of this dramatic increase will also increase the amount of Americans who are at high risk to develop other illnesses including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. This collection of illnesses could cost the United States up to $66 billion dollars in treatment and over $500 billion in loss of economic productivity. The director of Trust for America’s Health expresses his concern with this tragic epidemic on the rise, the already fragile heath care system could completely overwhelm it. New programs, such as the Affordable Care Act, are trying to help Americans develop healthier lifestyles. Studies show that more than $30 billion is spent each year on weight-control activities and products. (FTC 2002).

With obesity on the climb, the weight loss industry is soaring. With such a health risk to the people, FDA aims to protect keep harmful supplements from public use. Although prescription drugs must first be FDA approved, the FDA does not see advertising ads for these drugs until they are made seen to the public. It is then that if the ad is viewed as violating the law, the public will be able to see ads before the FDA can request that the ads be removed or corrected. The FDA states that consumers should be aware that just because the ad appears in the media, does not mean that it does not include any false or misleading information. The first amendment also protects the weight loss industry. With this freedom of speech and press, the weight loss industry is protected to advertise, however false weight-loss advertisements do result in a substantial financial loss to consumers and sometimes even severe health issues and even death. In the beginning, the Food and Drug Administration was able...