Obesity

As one of the fastest growing epidemics in America - obesity costs more to tax payers than almost every other preventable disease, behind smoking. Smoking will soon become a thing of the past. There are fewer smokers than ever in America, and with the laws passed recently regarding smoking in public - even fewer people will light up.
But what about the crisis that is childhood diabetes, high blood pressure, over active thyroid, heart disease, high cholesterol, and so on? People need to realize that although they are free to eat what they like, it is not free for America. According to recently released date on obesity in America, there is a direct correlation between obesity and high medical costs. When someone is super morbidly obese, or just plain fat - they are more likely to frequent the doctors office than Americans of average weight.
It isn't just the cost of their medical expenses that we need to address: it is the cost of lost productivity as well. For example; you work in an office where there is more than one obese individual. When they become sick - which they often do - you have to cover for them or the company will lose money. This is a serious issue. You, as the average weight American will not receive extra pay for covering for the out of office coworker. Additionally, lets suppose this office has multiple overweight people who are frequently out sick: how do you handle the situation without getting sued for discrimination? It is also helpful to note that as a former business owner (construction business with my ex husband), we could not afford to employ overweight individuals because of the costs associated with their employment. The cost of healthcare, as well as their work related expenses; such as workers compensation.
I had a friend that was 360 pounds. She was constantly out sick from work because of her weight. When you don't exercise you are more susceptible to illness. And anyone who has worked in an office understands how unsanitary offices can be. Moreover, this friend of mine would not exercise to save her life....literally. My friends and I made it a mission to try and help her lose weight. We even joined a gym together, (she didn't join), cut our calories, and would not eat fast food. She did nothing. She basically said she was going to wait until she was so fucking fat that her insurance would HAVE to pay for her gastric bypass surgery! This is a problem that I have read on numerous websites. Her mother had gastric bypass surgery after reaching over 500 pounds. Needless to say, she and I are no longer friends.
The important thing for everyone to understand is that the choices you make for yourself, can affect others. Especially if it is something that negatively affects you.
I am thankful that the State of California has passed a law that any restaurant with over 20 locations must advertise their caloric content. I know I have gone out to places like outback steakhouse where I would order a steak thinking, "ok, a slab of meat can't be that bad for me." Only to realize they add so much salt and other ingredients that cause the calorie count to sky rocket.
The point is, let's not be selfish and overeat. There are people starving in this world. There are people starving in America for that matter. There are people who do not have health insurance: I am one of them. I can't obtain health care because of I dislocated my shoulder twice within a year! If Americans made an effort to control their eating, and other bad habits, then people like myself would not have to go without health coverage.
The greatest thing that has happened recently is the health care reform bill. I am really optimistic about it. I know a lot of people will say, "but how will we pay for it." There are infinite ways we can pay for it. I will write about that later. bye for now xoxo