Gym membership for kids.

Reuters reports that that the South Korean government is considering directly helping obese kids lose weight. The report says, "Under the government plan, elementary school students whose body mass index indicates obesity will be able to receive up to 40,000 won ($33.58) a month to help them bring their weight down." I wonder if the Wii Fit will be part of the exercise routine to get kids into the gyms.

South Korea seems to be suffering from the same issues as the US. The report goes on to say that "costs to the government and the economy related to childhood obesity were 2 trillion won in 2006, the ministry said, making the voucher program cost effective." According to today's currency exchange rates, that comes to approximately $1.6 Billion for the cost associated with childhood obesity alone. It is understandable why the government want to preempt this disease in children. These obese children will grow up to be obese adults and balloon the healthcare costs associated with adult obesity.

While New Jersey's population is far lower than South Korea's, 8 million vs. 48 million, the rate of obesity as a percentage of the childhood population is probably far worse here in New Jersey. Is it prudent that we should also take an aggressive role in tackling childhood obesity? It probably is. Unfortunately, we are not seeing enough priority being giving to this situation. One, which may be the next big crisis facing the nation since this housing-economic disaster. Apart from a few local leaders, there is a lack of leadership when it comes to this issue at the state or federal level. Should we take similar measures like South Korea? Shouldn't we be the ones leading the rest of the world on how to tackle health issues? I think so. But, it will take real leadership and personal accountability to take the necessary action now, one which will pay for itself in the future.