Obesity and Health Care in the Marvel Universe

A new study (abstract only, unless you have a subscription) in Health Affairs by RTI International, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the CDC concludes that 9.1% of medical costs were spent on obesity in 2006, up from 6.5% in 2001. This comes out to approximately $40 billion in increased spending. Overall, people who are obese spent about 40% more on health care than did people of normal weight in 2006. Furthermore, the authors project that medical care spending for obesity could have hit $147 billion in 2008.

This is pretty grim news and should further corroborate the argument that much of the U.S.' exorbitant health care costs stem from poor dietary habits. This begs the question of why the government has not contracted some metahuman genius scientist, like Reed Richards, to invent some gizmo to curb such habits. After all, health care is a major agenda in the Obama administration, who is President of the Marvel Universe, and reducing costs is a big win for health reform.

You might think that such anti-obesity devices are unrealistic or infeasible in the real world. Well, a quick search on Google actually yielded this: some inventors have actually patented the design for some anti-obesity devices. The one described here looks like some sort of tube implanted in the stomach that is supposed to limit the absorption of food in the digestive system. There is also this device, a sort of "pacemaker" implanted into the abdomen, which tricks nerves in the stomach to making you feel that you're full when you've eaten a smaller portion.

These devices sound incredibly invasive, expensive and painful. And likely that's why many of us haven't heard about them. But these are just the developments made by ordinary humans. Surely, Mr. Fantastic can patent something much more friendly and hip, can't he? Can you imagine walking around with a hand-held anti-obesity device the size of an iPod?

If Obama is serious about bringing down health care costs, he should consider wielding the talents of some of Marvel's most brilliant heroes. People in Marvel's New York City really should all be skinny and have health insurance, but for some reason they don't. Let's get serious.

Does anybody actually know of an attempt to Richards or any other scientist (Marvel or DC) to do something like this or to help with domestic policy of any kind?

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The Green Lantern Announces His Candidacy for Mayor of DC!

On July 5th, 2009, Kyle Rayner, aka The Green Lantern, began his campaign for DC mayor. For those of you unaware of his merits, Mr. Rayner began his career as a graphic artist before being approached by the Guardian Ganthet. He was given a power ring to replace the former Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, following Jordan's possession by Parallax and his subsequent destruction of of Coast City. He has since used his powers with the ring to defend justice, has worked with the Justice League of America towards a safer world, developed close bonds with the former Lanterns, the Flash, and the Titans, and has even served as a God, Ion.

From his press release, the Green Lantern states:

I deeply understand the challenges facing the District. By combining my superhero willpower and my passion for local politics and justice, I am committed to illuminating our nation’s capitol.

Regarding issues, the Green Lantern supports the creation and promotion of greener jobs, including investment in training programs for the impoverished and weatherization of old buildings. In addition, he supports LGBT rights, maintains a firm stance on crime and is committed to public safety, as demonstrated by his work for the Justice League and beyond. Finally, he is an ardent supporter of education reform, including additional funds towards K-12 education and establishing rewards and incentive programs for teachers, not only to encourage better student outcomes, but to persuade talented educators to take up jobs in needy areas.

The Green Lantern has been endorsed by Justice League teammate, The Flash, who stated:

The Green Lantern and I fought against crime and for justice together so I have a first-hand understanding of his commitment to public service. My endorsement comes not as a friend, but as someone who cares about our community. I know that the Green Lantern will fight for our environment, our working class families, the LGBTQIA community, our children's education, the safety of our city, and the equal representation of all Americans.

In addition, he has garnered the support from notable political bloggers Matt Yglesias and Ezra Klein.

I, ShadowBanker, have declared my endorsement of The Green Lantern as well, however Mark has since expressed some reservations. As such, we have decided to compose a series of two posts--a point/counterpoint on The Green Lantern as mayor of DC. These posts will be up within the next few days and before the election on Friday, July 10th.

To be fair, there are still many issues that the Green Lantern has not openly expressed an opinion about. How will the Green Lantern promote health care reform to increase coverage and lower costs? Does he support Obama's plan to expand the role of government in providing health services? What are his views on a coverage mandate for insurance? What about the recruitment and retention of physicians? How does the Green Lantern plan on attracting providers to needy hospitals and clinics in DC, especially in the face of a more public system?

What about more specifics on the economy? Are there any more specifics about how to minimize unemployment? In what sectors does he plan on investing money for jobs?

For now, we would love to hear from the readers. Do you support the Green Lantern for mayor? Why or why not? Are there any policy recommendations you suggest for him?

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