H.R. No. 234
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Obesity is a serious public health concern in the
United States, where more than 42 percent of all adults qualify as
obese and the number of people with severe obesity continues to
grow; in the State of Texas, the adult obesity rate is 34 percent;
and
WHEREAS, Experts and researchers agree that obesity is a
complex disease that is influenced by a variety of physiological,
environmental, and genetic factors; those affected by the disease
are at higher risk of developing many other health conditions,
including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular
disease, stroke, and some types of cancer; and
WHEREAS, While prevention programs have successfully
established the seriousness of the public health crisis posed by
obesity, it is also imperative that individuals and families with
the disease receive comprehensive care and treatment; research
suggests that losing as little as five to ten percent of total body
weight can mitigate the health risks of obesity, but studies also
show that the bias and stigma associated with the disease are
significant barriers to effective treatment; and
WHEREAS, Health care professionals, policy makers, patients,
and families should regard obesity with the same level of
importance as other chronic diseases; further, obese patients
should be treated with respect and compassion and should be
provided with assistance in exploring options for weight loss and
weight management, including reduced-calorie diets, physical
activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery; and
WHEREAS, Improving the treatment of obesity will require
concerted action on a number of levels, and the observance of
Obesity Care Week, which takes place from February 28 to March 6,
2021, serves to highlight the urgency of this public health issue
and the need to implement a patient-centered, research-driven model
of care; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 28 to March 6, 2021, as
Obesity Care Week in Texas and encourage all residents of the Lone
Star State to learn more about lifestyle habits that can lead to
better health.
Allen
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 234 was adopted by the House on March
18, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House