1. Making the Healthiest Choice, the Easiest Choice Christine C. Ferguson, J.D. Director, STOP Obesity Alliance Professor School of Public Health and Health Services Department of Health Policy George Washington University

2. The Great Weight Debates – Monumental Shifts in the Obesity Dialogue Overweight and obesity is not about looks; it’s about health. Fighting obesity is about good personal choices and a society where good choices are possible. When it comes to beating obesity, losing weight may be the easy part; sustaining the weight loss is hard. Overweight and obesity is looks, personal appearance and fitting into societal norms. Fighting obesity is all about individual will – It begins and ends with personal responsibility. All you have to do to beat obesity is to lose weight.

3. “Fighting Obesity May Take a Village” -Wall Street Journal Media Reinforces the Message: Good Personal Choices Requires a Supportive Environment

4. Employer/Employee Survey: Addressing Obesity in the Workplace Both employers and employees see weight management programs as appropriate and effective. – Over 70% of employers view offering obesity- related services as appropriate and effective – 80% of employees, regardless of weight, agree healthful lifestyles/weight management programs belong in the workplace Less than half of employers believe their company has given enough attention to the problem of obesity

5. Employers Think Weight-Related Programs Are Appropriate * Jumbo firm estimate is significantly different from all other firms.

6. Personal Choice + Responsibility Supportive environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice Improved Health + Improved Productivity Is The Employer Equation the New Formula for Public Health?