_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
MADAM PRESIDENT:
I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:
A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the Legislative Council to
assign to the Health Finance Commission the topic of developing a
state policy that may aid in the reduction of obesity and diabetes in
adults.
Whereas, The percentage of obese adults in the United
States has increased dramatically in the past 25 years;
Whereas, In 2009, 62.4% of Hoosier adults were
overweight and obese;
Whereas, Being overweight or obese as well as being
physically inactive increases the risk for diabetes;
Whereas, Adults who were overweight or obese as
adolescents have been documented consistently as
developing health conditions, including arthritis, high blood
pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke,
gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory
problems, and some types of cancer, even if they lose the
excess weight later in life; and
Whereas, In 2000, the total cost of obesity, including
medical costs and the value of wages lost by employees
unable to work because of illness, disability, or premature
death, in the United States was approximately $117 billion;
Therefore,
SECTION 1. That the Legislative Council is urged to assign to the
Health Finance Commission the topic of developing a state policy that
may aid in the reduction of obesity and diabetes in adults.
SECTION 2. That the Health Finance Commission, in developing
its findings and recommendations, shall include in its consideration:
(1) current obesity trends in adults in Indiana;
(2) current and future estimated costs of obesity to Indiana and
its employer community;
(3) methodologies that would aid in the reduction of the number
of overweight and obese adults in Indiana; and
(4) state policy that would support efforts to reduce the number
of overweight and obese adults in Indiana.
SECTION 3. That the commission shall issue a final report when
directed to do so by the Legislative Council.