Setting A Fit Example

It's no secret that obesity is a major problem in the United States. A recent study showed that more is spent on obesity-related illness than on smoking-related illness. Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay recently caught up with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson in Washington to see what's being done about it.

First, Thompson shared some statistics: About 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, including 15 percent of America's children. "And it's getting worse," he added. "It's almost an epidemic. (We spend) $117 billion a year on obesity-related illness and 300,000 Americans die each year" because of it.

Thompson, concurring with Dr. Senay that the fast-food industry is part of the problem, also said, "and they can be part of the solution. That's the nice part about it. The fact that they have been sued, and the fact that we're talking about this, is really going to start driving them toward offering more choices on their menus. And that's important. More salads, more fruits, and healthier diets."

How far will Thompson go in working with them?

"I will work extremely hard with them," he replied. "And if they don't want to work with me, I will, more than likely, embarrass them for not doing enough and that is going to, I think, cause them to change some of their habits."

What about corporate incentives, or tax incentives to corporations, large corporations, to work with employees?

"You know what I really would like to see? I think that's good. I think we should acknowledge corporations that are doing well," he said. "I also would like to see health insurance companies, you know, and health insurance, to give people credits on their health insurance costs for being healthier. Why don't we get a credit in our health insurance if we live a healthy lifestyle?"

What has he done for his own health, and how has he gotten his staff involved in practicing what the boss preaches?

"I put the whole Department of Health and Human Services on a diet," said Thompson, "and I said, 'You know, if we are going to be the Department Health, we've got to start looking like that Department of Health, and we've got to become healthy.'"

Thompson said he has stopped snacking, although he has the occasional bratwurst and cheeseburger.

He also said he does 50 pushups, morning and evening, and he walks 10,000 steps a day.

And his own boss, President George W. Bush, sets a high standard for physical fitness.

Said Thompson, "He's in the best physical condition I think he's ever been in. And he will tell you so. I think that's a good example for all Americans to follow. If the president can do it, why can't I?"

Thompson also stressed the importance of parents setting a good example and getting the message to children.