Latest News On Obesity

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Hands Off That Frozen Pizza! Docs Advise Customers As They Shop

KFF Health News Original

An Orange County, California hospital system is posting doctors at supermarkets to help customers make healthier choices. It’s part of a larger national effort among hospitals to improve community health outcomes. 

Baby Boomers Set Another Trend: More Golden Years In Poorer Health

KFF Health News Original

Medicare faces sharp cost increases as more baby boomers reach 65, and their life expectancies grow, as well as their chronic conditions, say researchers at the University of Southern California.

New Guidelines Boost Diabetes Screening For Overweight Adults

KFF Health News Original

The prevention task force also recommends that patients with high blood sugar levels be referred to nutrition and exercise counseling. Under the health law, the services would be covered by insurance without cost sharing.

Sweet Name Of Kids’ Clinic Gives Some People Heartburn

KFF Health News Original

The Krispy Kreme Challenge Children’s Specialty Clinic gets its name from a student-run charity race in Raleigh, N.C., that has already raised $1 million for kids. Still, some find the name unhealthy.

Cost Of Diabetes Drugs Often Overlooked, But It Shouldn’t Be

KFF Health News Original

Much of the recent debate about drug costs has centered on high-priced specialty drugs, such as those to cure hepatitis C. But millions more people have diabetes and their drugs are also expensive.

Few Seniors Benefiting From Medicare Obesity Counseling

KFF Health News Original

A little known part of Obamacare pays primary care doctors to help overweight seniors drop pounds and improve their health. So why aren’t more seniors taking advantage of the free benefit?

Surprise! The Taco Truck Is On Your Diet

KFF Health News Original

The lunch truck menu is known more for grease and starch than leafy greens. But researchers in Los Angeles County say adding more nutritious options to the menu is one step toward reducing obesity.

Many Insurers Do Not Cover Drugs Approved To Help People Lose Weight

KFF Health News Original

Despite the increasing efforts to fight the obesity epidemic and the approval of four new weight-loss medications, Medicare and many private plans are reluctant to pay for the medicines because of serious safety problems with other drugs in the past.

Obesity Rate Flat For First Time In Decades, Health Rankings Find

KFF Health News Original

An annual state-by-state survey says the country is making good progress in improving its overall health — including a flat obesity rate and a lower rate of smoking. But individual states, especially in the South, continue to lag. The 2013 edition of “America’s Health Rankings”  by United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and […]