Where’s the National Institute for Obesity?

With everything going on in our government lately, I can’t guarantee this topic will still be “relevant” by the time you read this.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about it.

So, here goes…

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is composed of 27 institutes and centers dedicated to tackling our most serious health conditions. Those include cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases, mental illness, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, kidney disorders, neurological diseases, and more. 

But something’s missing from that list… and it’s a health concern we simply can’t afford to ignore.

Obesity impacts countless lives

Let’s back up for just a moment…

The National Cancer Institute was established in 1937 to fight the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Since then, advancements in this field have led to significant progress. For example, breast cancer deaths have dropped by an impressive 58 percent.

Then came the 1948 creation of the National Heart Institute—now the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)—which helped contribute to a 68 percent drop in heart disease deaths.

To me, it’s clear that these institutes produce effective prevention protocols, diagnostic tools, and treatments—even if some are a mixed blessing.

That’s why I’m asking: Where’s the National Institute for Obesity?

Obesity is more prevalent than cancer and cardiovascular disease—and it increases the risk of developing both.

Plus, obesity is a contributor to countless health issues—hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, fatty liver, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis… the list goes on.

Stop treating obesity as a side issue

In my view, we need to stop dancing around the issue and give obesity the attention it demands.

That means dedicated funding, research, and national strategy—just like we’ve done for cancer and heart disease for decades now.

As a starting point, it would be beneficial to simply explore and educate on:

• The role of nutrition, stress, and environmental toxins
• Why our biology responds differently under certain conditions
• The genetics and epigenetics behind weight gain and loss resistance
• Ways to treat and prevent obesity

Because obesity isn’t just about willpower or food choices. It’s also about the systems—biological, social, and political—that are failing you.

With over 200 million Americans affected by obesity, we NEED bold action—not judgment, not platitudes, and certainly not more misleading fad “diets.”

It’s time our health institutions (and our policymakers) wake up to the MOST pervasive, overlooked epidemic of our time: obesity.

And I outline SEVEN key steps toward change in the February 2020 issue of my monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter—click here to read all about it.