SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 119
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
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.
Campbell
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 9, 2021.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate