@PamelaSue72 wrote:
Obesity is already a very serious problem. Diabetes, heart disease, etc. all can be caused by over-eating and being obese. While it's not always the case (people will complain about theiir glands or they can't walk or whatever), eating everything and anything is serious in the US. Oh, and let's not forget that as we age, we gain weight. Everybody says so.
And those of us who do watch our weight and who are careful about eating healthy also pay the price for those who do not. Our insurance premiums continue to skyrocket because we have to pay for those who have those problems and also do not have health insurance.
My DH's workplace has started to require bloodwork as part of a reduction in health insurance deductibles. If you don't agree to the testing, you will pay full price. If you do agree to the testing and your bloodwork is within normal limits, you will get a reduced deductible. It's like making those who smoke pay for their actions. You want to eat that stuff and be obese? Pay for it.
Ever really stop and look at the supermarket flyers? Most of the stuff that's on sale are things like potato chips, Cheez-its, soda, convenience foods, and so on. The stuff that's good for you, the stuff that's healthy? You'll pay full price for most of it.
Not all that long ago, the average size for the American woman was a size 12. Then it went to a 14. I believe now, the average American woman wears a size 16. But heaven forbid, our designers tell us we are fat. So what used to be a size 10 is now considered a size 12. What used to be size 12 is now considered a size 14.
Next time you walk around the mall or next time you're in a restaurant, look at the people. Most of them are fat. Sorry, but it's the truth and let's not sugar coat it. Fat. It is what it is. Whether you want to call it muffin tops or pleasingly plump or plus-size, the bottom line is that the US is a nation of fat people.
This is why so many lower income people have weight or food related health issues. They eat what they can afford. They eat what is donated to food pantries, the bulk of which is pre packaged processed foods. So perhaps a lot of those you seem to be disgusted by, are that way because they cannot afford to eat healthy.
And that process with your health insurance is treading on a pretty slippery slope in my opinion. If they were testing for use of drugs, nicotine or excessive alcohol use, and basing rates or deductibles on that, I would agree, because none of those things do people need.
But to base it on factors determined by food (i'm guessing weight, BMI, blood sugar levels etc.), really isn't fair (per those above that eat what they can afford). And I would question what will it be next, that they choose to discriminate against certain people with. Will you be penalized for not eating only organic foods? Will you pay more if you are eating all fresh foods, but they are GMO's? Will they make your deductible higher if you ski and risk breaking a leg, or go to the beach for vacation because you are increasing your risk of skin cancer?
I'd say let's start with people receiving welfare and food stamps and require testing for drugs and nicotine, then remove offenders from the roles. That should free up a lot of money to feed the poor a more healthy diet, thereby lowering obesity rates tremendously.
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