Obesity Monitor

I’m a little late jumping on this train, but I wanted to highlight this story because it raises some interesting questions.

It seems that Alabama will be charging state employees more for health insurance if they don’t lose weight.  Here’s the quick rundown–starting in 2009, those employed with the state will have to undergo a health screening, which, among other things will measure BMI.  Those who are considered obese will have a year to lose weight or face a $25 increase in monthly insurance costs. 

Deborah Unger, RN, clinical director for the Alabama State Employees Insurance Board, claims that this penalty is in place to help people become more aware of the effects of obesity and to make people do something to live a healthier life.  Supporters say that since obesity leads to higher health care costs, then those costs should be passed on to those who use need the extra care.  People who oppose the extra costs point out several reasons against the penalty:

                  *Negative punishment should not be employed as a motivation for people to lose weight;

                  *Some people have a pre-disposition to weight gain through genetics; 

                 *Obesity is viewed as preventable, therefore leading to an unsympathetic public in those who do not suffer from it.

Whatever your views, here are the facts:

                 *Alabama has the second highest obesity rate in the country;

                *Obesity causes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes, and a host of other health issues, which do lead to higher health care costs

               *According to a recent survey taken by the National Opinion Research Center, 80% of employees, regardless of weight or health conditions, believe that health and wellness programs should be supported by employers.

Now, I will not share a solid opinion of whether or not this extra fee belongs in place, but I will say this–I’ve worked with children who have weight issues.  Sometimes, it’s not just the weight that is the problem, which is why a monetary penalty that is seemingly a form of negative reinforcement, is troubling.  Sometimes there is so much more behind the weight–low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, fear of losing weight–that contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle.  I personally love working out and watching what it does for my body, but there are others out there who are comfortable hiding behind weight issues to avoid dealing with a troubling childhood episode, or because they would rather be unattractive than be checked out by an adoring public.  While forcing the extra health care costs on those who will use it may solve a logistical problem, it may cover up the causes of obesity.  This is just something that should be kept in mind by those who make these decisions.