National Healthy Weight Matters Month

Whereas more than two-thirds of US adults are affected by overweight (33%) or obesity (33%)

Whereas more than 30 percent of children are affected by obesity - making it the most common chronic disease of childhood.

Whereas obesity is a complex, multifactoral, and chronic disease, which requires a comprehensive approach to both prevent and treat.

Whereas obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities, which are either caused or worsened by obesity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, dyslipidemia, pulmonary disease (obstructive sleep apnea and restrictive lung disease), multiple cancers.  renal and liver disease, musculoskelatal disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, psedotumor cerebri and a variety of psychosocial conditions. 

Whereas one out of every eight deaths in America is caused by an illness directly related to obesity

Whereas the annual cost associated with overweight and obesity is $270 billion including direct medical costs and indirect costs such as absenteeism and productivity losses

Whereas many individuals affected by obesity often deal with physical, emotional and social issues that can hinder them from addressing their weight issues.

Whereas the majority of Americans are unaware of the full spectrum of care for overweight and obesity - including behavioral, psychosocial, nutritional, pharmaceutical and surgical treatment.

Whereas a 5-10% weight loss produces clinically significant reductions in risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, arthritis, heart disease and certain cancers

Whereas science has documented clear, consistent evidence that overweight people face discrimination in employment, education, and health care and that weight bias has serious medical and psychological consequences

Whereas the Obesity Action Coalition, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The Obesity Society and the American Dietetic Association support the designation of March, 2012 as National Healthy Weight Matters Month to challenge Americans to simply assess their weight and talk to their healthcare professional to learn about appropriate treatment avenues for addressing their overweight or obesity.

Whereas Members of Congress have championed legislation to raise public awareness regarding childhood obesity.  Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate/House:

(1) designate March 2012 as "National Healthy Weight Matters Month" in order to raise public awareness and mobilize All Americans to assess how their weight affects their health; and

2) request that the President issue a proclamation calling on the Federal Government, States, tribes and tribal organizations, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities with the goal of challenging all Americans to initiate that conversation with their healthcare professional regarding their weight and appropriate strategies to help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight.  

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