Obesity Action Coalition Blog

Recently, a number of elected officials have proposed taxing unhealthy foods (especially soft drinks) as a way to reduce obesity rates and/or fund health and health insurance related issues.  Let us know what you think of these type of initiatives:

• Will taxing unhealthy foods/beverages reduce obesity rates?
• Are you less likely to consume such foods if they are a few cents more expensive due to such taxes?
• Are food taxes an appropriate way to pay for health insurance expansion or reform?
• Are you in favor or opposed to such taxes to help offset obesity related expenses experienced by states and federal government?
• If collected, should such funds be limited to addressing obesity?

In the latest of stories featuring the obese, national media today is reporting on a study, based in the United Kingdom, where the obese are being blamed for increased global warming. From eating more food than the average person to only traveling in a car, the obese people of the world are being painted as leaving a larger “carbon footprint” than their thinner counterparts (click here for story).

The OAC has received emails today expressing an overall frustration with the media and society regarding some of the latest stories featuring the obese, such as airline seating policies and global warming. The OAC wants to know how you feel about the media’s and society’s overall focus on the obese.

•    What are your thoughts on the media’s portrayal of the obese?
•    Do you feel the obese are an easy target to place blame?
•    What types of attitudes do stories such as airline seating and global warming foster toward the obese?
•    How would you like to see stories of obesity portrayed or what would you like for them to focus on?

Take some time and share with us your thoughts on these questions. We want to know what you think. You are also welcome to email the OAC at info@obesityaction.org.

Throughout the past few days, media reports have been buzzing with United Airlines’ new policy that targets passengers who are affected by obesity. This policy has already been enacted  and requires obese passengers who do not fit in United Airlines’ seats according to their restrictions to purchase a second additional seat if the carrier is not able to make accommodations otherwise (click here for the policy).

The OAC wants to hear from you! Here are a few questions that will help us know where you stand:

•    What are your thoughts on this new rule? Is it fair, unfair, discrimination?
•    Do you feel it affects your ability to travel?
•    Have you ever had an instance where you were asked to move from your seat due to your weight? If so, how did that make you feel?
•    If you are an obese/morbidly obese individual, do you already purchase a second seat? If so, why and have you faced any challenges?

Take a few moments and share your thoughts with us on United’s new policy. You are also welcome to email the OAC at info@obesityaction.org.

On March 23, Mississippi Governor Barbour signed HB1530 (click here to see PDF) into law.  HB 1530 is “AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE HIGH RATE OF OBESITY IN MISSISSIPPI, BY PROVIDING FOR THE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY AND RELATED CONDITIONS THROUGH VARIOUS METHODS, INCLUDING THE USE OF BARIATRIC SURGERY AS A TREATMENT OPTION” among Mississippi state and school Board employees.

The OAC, supported by many other groups, advocated for this legislation.  Thanks to all of you who sent letters to the Governor and supported our efforts to make this legislation a reality.

Mississippi legislators recently passed HB1530 (click here to view the PDF), “AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE HIGH RATE OF OBESITY IN MISSISSIPPI, BY PROVIDING FOR THE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY AND RELATED CONDITIONS THROUGH VARIOUS METHODS, INCLUDING THE USE OF BARIATRIC SURGERY AS A TREATMENT OPTION” among Mississippi state and school Board employees.

The OAC is urging all members and supporters of the OAC who reside in Mississippi to e-mail Governor Barbour urging him to sign this legislation into law.  Time is of the essence as Governor Barbour may make his decision as early as March 20.  To view the OAC’s letter to Governor Barbour, please click here to view the PDF.  Governor Barbour’s office can be reached via e-mail at governor@governor.state.ms.us.

 In writing Governor Barbour we urge all members:

• To point out that Mississippi leads the nation in obesity rates and as such, the need for both prevention and treatment are essential.
• To remind the Governor that the treatment of obesity is the prevention of many expensive obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and others and as such, will likely result in a significant cost-savings for the state in the long-run.
• To share with the Governor that by making HB1530 law, he likely will encourage other Mississippi insurers and employers to adopt similar policies having an even greater impact on the health and wellness of the citizens of Mississippi.

For some general do’s and don’ts when corresponding with elected officials, please click here.

Be a “Member in Action” and start advocating today!

On February 25, 2009, Virginia elected officials will be voting on proposed legislation to eliminate coverage of gastric bypass for all state employees beginning July 1, 2009 as part of Governor Kaine’s budget reduction efforts. The ultimate decision on whether or not the benefit is cut is now in the hands of a Conference Committee (Budget Conferees).

The OAC believes that the elimination of bariatric surgery negatively impacts the quality of health and life of the employees of Virginia by denying them access to needed medical care. Morbid obesity is a complex disease that requires treatment. The medical treatment of morbid obesity decreases mortality, improves or resolves obesity-related illnesses and improves quality of life. Denying patients and their physicians proven options for treatment is an ill-advised, short-term economic decision that endangers the long-term health of many state employees.

The OAC urgently requests that all state employees who have had bariatric surgery and those considering bariatric surgery educate the Budget Conferees via phone or email about the importance of maintaining the state employee bariatric surgery benefit. This issue is very important. Everyday, we read about the impact obesity has on our society, and now it is time for those affected by obesity to come together and demand continued access.

Please click here to view the OAC’s Guide for state employees of Virginia.

On February 24, the Nebraska Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee will be considering legislation (Bill #LB 326) that would add bariatric surgery coverage.

NECHIP currently excludes the treatment of morbid obesity through bariatric surgery. The OAC believes that the exclusion of bariatric surgery and obesity management services negatively impacts the quality of health and life of the citizens of Nebraska by denying them access to needed medical care especially those at high-risk, like the members of NECHIP. Denying patients and their physicians proven options for treatment is an ill-advised, short-term economic decision that endangers the long-term health of many of the citizens of Nebraska.

We encourage you to reach out to the appropriate officials immediately and voice your concerns on the importance of adding this life-saving benefit to NECHIP.

Please click here to view the OAC’s advocacy guide for the state of Nebraska.

Please click here to view Bill #LB 326 (PDF).