On Tuesday June 18th, 2013 the AMA determined that "obesity" is now considered a disease in the United States. I have to wonder what this will mean for the future of health care in this country and the future of wellness?
First as foremost, I want to believe that this change has been made to help create behavior change and support the goals of companies like Healthper. I want to believe that giving people greater access to health and wellness programs (with recommendations) from doctors and programs that will be supported by their insurance companies is a positive, however I am concerned that labeling obesity a disease, will allow those that are "afflicted" with an excuse to continue their poor behavior.
How do you change the average American's mindset? What can we do to increase their want vs. need to get healthy? Encouragement? Incentives? Social Engagement? Accountability? Here at Healthper, we believe that creating an environment that incorporates all of these strategies, plus a sense of self accomplishment can begin to create that lasting change.
The lasting effects of this new label still remain to be seen. We are not 24 hours out since this decision took place. My hope is that this "disease" that has become an epidemic across the US for not only adults but children, will be taken more seriously now that it is seen as life threatening disease.
Healthper enables your population to attain personal goals that increase productivity and reduce healthcare costs. Our platform applies a multi-dimensional engagement strategy that employs the science of gamification and incentive design, the reinforcement of social networks, robust communication tool set and device connectivity. For our clients and partners, it delivers lower healthcare costs, increased employee productivity, improved communication and loyalty.
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