As a physician, Senator Frist champions medical care. He also champions prevention. Senators Take Up Arms Against Obesity.

"Obesity is, for the most part, preventable," said Frist, R-Tenn. "There is no single solution, but better information, improved nutrition and greater opportunities for physical activity will guarantee progress."

To provide those resources, the three senators are proposing spending as much as $217 million next year and additional money in future years on a variety of programs to encourage proper nutrition and increased physical activity.

The money would go to the Institutes of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services to identify risk factors, analyze government food assistance programs and work with state governments on nutrition and exercise programs.

While I generally oppose government solutions, government funding can stimulate great research. On the surface this sounds like a well placed effort.