Dem lawmaker proposes $25 million for federal program to reduce obesity

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) has put forward legislation creating a federal program aimed at reducing the number of overweight Americans.

The Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise (LIFE) act, H.R. 4604, proposes spending $25 million on the program in fiscal year 2013, and "such sums as may be necessary" for the next three years after that. The money would be used to train health professionals to help overweight people, including by educating them about proper nutrition and exercise, and making them more aware about the risks of obesity.

It also calls for a national public awareness campaign, and "intervention strategies" to be employed at "worksites and in community settings such as hospitals and community health centers."