The rising rates of obesity and overweight are not only straining individual health but also placing a multibillion-dollar burden on global healthcare systems every year. Embracing food as medicine offers a science-backed, cost-effective strategy to combat these challenges by focusing on prevention, disease management, and long-term well-being through nutrient-rich diets.
Obesity isn’t just a personal health challenge—it’s a widespread issue impacting society and the economy. From rising medical costs to long-term health risks for our children, the consequences are far-reaching. But understanding the science behind “Food as Medicine” gives families the power to make meaningful changes—starting right in the kitchen.
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Obesity affects far more than physical health—it’s a widespread public health issue that comes with a tremendous financial cost. In the United States alone, estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that obesity-related healthcare spending reached nearly $173 billion in 2019.
Individuals also feel the weight of this burden, spending about $1,861 more per year on medical care compared to those with a healthy weight.
Globally, the financial cost of overweight and obesity is projected to climb to $4.32 trillion annually by 2035, which would represent nearly 3% of the world’s total GDP, according to the World Obesity Federation’s World Obesity Atlas 2023.
These figures send a clear warning: current obesity trends among adults aren’t just a personal issue—they represent a growing societal and economic strain.
Between 2017 and March 2020, around 41.9% of U.S. adults had obesity, according to the CDC. This condition significantly raises the risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In fact, more than 80% of adults with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or have obesity.
Quick Tip: Focusing on prevention early—especially in kids—can greatly reduce lifetime health risks.
That’s why addressing the rising concern of childhood obesity from an early age is crucial—it lays a foundation for healthier futures.
Obesity-related indirect costs can impact families, communities, and workplaces through:
This far-reaching impact highlights the need for thoughtful, community-supported action focused on prevention, early support, and better education around food.
The idea of “Food as Medicine” reframes how we think about meals—not just as fuel, but as one of our most accessible tools for keeping families healthy and strong.
This approach encourages building lifelong habits around balanced, nutrient-rich eating, which research shows can help lower chronic disease risk and support physical and emotional well-being.
When families eat more whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, they may notice benefits like better digestion, more stable energy, reduced inflammation, and support for their kids’ healthy development.
Parent Tip: You don't have to eliminate favorite foods—just start by adding more colorful plants and whole foods to meals.
Making small changes—like cutting back on added sugars (here's one way to get started)—can make a big difference over time.
Many of the foods we keep in our kitchens every day offer powerful benefits—especially when it comes to supporting children’s health. A few examples:
Food doesn’t just affect how we feel in the moment—it can have long-lasting effects on how our bodies respond to stress, illness, and healing. The nutrients we eat can influence everything from gut balance to inflammation.
Making family meals that support the body nutritionally is a key way to reduce long-term risk—especially given the [growing rates of obesity in children](https://www.littlelunches.com/en/blog/the-rising-concern-of-childhood-obesity).
Chronic inflammation increases risk of many diseases. Diets high in processed foods and sugars can worsen this condition.
Quick Tip: Swap packaged snacks for colorful vegetables or nuts to keep inflammation in check.
Some useful whole-food options include:
Your child’s gut is home to trillions of bacteria, all of which affect digestion, mood, and immune strength. This network thrives on fiber-rich foods.
Good sources include oats, fruits, beans, and whole grains. These ingredients help produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which supports gut health and lowers inflammation.
Just 10 extra grams of fiber/day may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 10%.
Oxidative stress—caused by excess free radicals—can damage cells over time. Antioxidants from whole foods help fight back.
The PREDIMED trial showed that a Mediterranean-style, plant-forward diet led to a 30% lower risk of major heart events.
Parent Tip: Let your kids pick a new fruit or veggie at the store each week—it helps them feel involved and curious.
Programs that connect people with nourishing food—like produce prescriptions and medically-tailored meals—show real results.
These programs may reduce healthcare spending by up to $220/month per person, proving it's a cost-effective way to improve public health.
Take the Fresh Food Farmacy program: people with diabetes lowered A1c levels by nearly 2 points through meal support.
And the value doesn’t stop there:
That’s why food-focused strategies are a win—for families and for national well-being. Especially when tackling issues like childhood obesity.
You don’t need to overhaul your family’s diet overnight. Try adding one or two of these every week for a gentle transition toward wellness.
Parent Tip: Place cut fruit, veggies, or cooked grains at toddler eye level in the fridge to promote healthy grabs.
By focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients, parents can promote balanced nutrition and build health-forward habits for life—supporting resilience and reducing the risk of childhood obesity.
Written by: Vivian Castillo, MS, RD, CNSC – Registered Dietitian and clinical nutrition expert in pediatric care.
Sources:
World Obesity Federation - World Obesity Atlas 2023
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Adult Obesity Data; Chronic Disease Costs
JAMA Internal Medicine - Health Care Utilization and Expenditures Associated With Overweight and Obesity; Association Between Consumption of Ultra-processed Foods and Mortality
The New England Journal of Medicine - Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet (PREDIMED trial)
Geisinger - Fresh Food Farmacy Helping to Improve Health
The BMJ - Ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease
2 years ago
