President Barack Obama’s proposed 2012 budget looks to reduce the Prevention and Public Health Fund by more than 20% over the next decade. The Campaign to End Obesity Action Fund announced in mid-February that $4 billion dollars in obesity prevention programs would be cut as outlined in the President’s 2012 budget proposal. Current estimates show that obesity and obesity-related diseases cost the United States $147 billion annually. The Prevention and Public Health Fund is set up to fund local and state governmental agencies and community organizations. These entities then use that funding to increase healthy lifestyles among the population. Programs paid for by the Fund include incentives for workplace wellness programs, healthier food options in schools, and physical activity programs for children. IHRSA’s Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy doesn’t think the cuts are a good idea. “Slashing programs that aim to reduce obesity and chronic disease dismisses the powerful, long-term cost savings of primary prevention, and will not help our country get its health back on track,” said Helen Durkin. “Primary prevention has the power to changes lives and save billions in health care costs. Cutting this funding would be a big mistake.”