Introduced Version
SENATE RESOLUTION No. ___
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOL UTION
A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the Legislative Council to
assign to an appropriate study committee the topic of the impact
of obesity on employers and the state economy.
BECKER, LEISING
, read first time and referred to Committee on
2024 RR 3507/DI JC Introduced
Second Regular Session 123rd General Assembly (2024)
SENATE RESOLUTION ____
MADAM PRESIDENT:
I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:
1 A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the Legislative Council
2 to assign to an appropriate study committee the topic of the
3 impact of obesity on employers and the state economy.
4 Whereas, With an adult obesity rate in excess of 36%,
5 Indiana ranks among the top ten states with the highest rates of
6 obesity;
7 Whereas, Obesity's total impact on Indiana's economy is
8 staggering, including $9.3 billion in reduced economic activity,
9 $2 billion in increased employer costs, over $900 million in
10 increased medical spending by households and Medicaid, and
11 $511 million in reduced tax revenue;
12 Whereas, Indiana's labor force participation is significantly
13 impacted by obesity, as obesity contributes to 11,700 early
14 deaths each year and reduces the labor force by 69,400 adults,
15 leading to a reduction in Indiana's Gross Domestic Product of
16 2.5%;
17 Whereas, An in-depth study of the total economic impact of
18 obesity, including the complete range of treatments available
19 to reduce obesity, obesity-related health issues such as
2024 RR 3507/DI JC 2
1 maternal mortality and mental health conditions, as well as the
2 full scope of costs associated with obesity for patients,
3 employers, and the State of Indiana, is necessary; and
4 Whereas, Data produced through a legislative study would
5 yield a better understanding of the cost savings and other
6 economic benefits of obesity prevention and treatment, aid in
7 policy formulation and decision making, and begin the process
8 of improving the rate of obesity in the Hoosier state:
9 Therefore,
10 Be it resolved by the Senate of the
11 General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
12 SECTION 1. That the Indiana Senate urges the Legislative
13 Council to assign to an appropriate study committee the topic
14 of the impact of obesity on employers and the state economy.
15 SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed
16 to transmit copies of this Resolution to the Legislative Council,
17 all members of the Indiana General Assembly, and to the
18 Governor of the State of Indiana.
2024 RR 3507/DI JC