Starting in 2009 the state of Alabama is going to be charging people who are overweight (based on their BMI) as much as $25 more for health insurance if they do not lose weight within 1 year.

Now let me play devil’s advocate here. Will this motivate people to get in shape? Maybe. In the very least it is drawing attention to the issue of obesity and health concerns. I also applaud the decision to implement weight loss programs or discounts for gyms. Another step they could take is educating people on proper nutrition and fitness. Providing nutritionally balanced meals and getting rid of snack machines or pop machines could also be beneficial.

On the flip-side, what about the rights of the people that this new rule may concern? I don’t know about you but I feel I have the right to keep my weight to myself… it is a very private matter to me. Also, we can raise the question; “if this were concerning anything other than obesity would this be treated the same way?”

All of a sudden telling someone “I’m sorry but you have developed asthma/cancer/heart disease and if you cant get rid of that in a year we are going to charge you more” seems a little foot in mouth.

In the end all we can do is hope that this does help inspire some people to begin a healthier lifestyle, is it the right way to encourage this? That remains to be seen.

Here is a link to the full article:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20080825/alabama-obesity-penalty-stirs-debate

Rian

Tags: health, health insuarance, Weight Loss