August 10, 2009 | Faculty

Northwestern Doctor: Obesity Should Be Part Of Healthcare Debate

Dr. Robert Kushner says the overweight, on average, spend an extra $1,500 per year on medical care

By Brendan Cosgrove

CHICAGO --- Lawmakers in Washington are continuing discussions in an effort to overhaul the nation's healthcare system, with President Obama requesting action on the issue by this fall. Dr. Robert Kushner, clinical director of Northwestern University’s Comprehensive Center on Obesity, believes obesity should play a key role in any discussion on reform. He discusses the condition's cost on the healthcare system and on society in general.