Obesity and Alabama: Should the Workers Pay for it? - By: Dan Brathers

It is common knowledge that obesity has become a major problem in the United States. The problem has always been there but a solution hasn't. Since this has been known many nutritionists, scientists, and dietitians have created their own unique ways of solving this problem. Who knew that this would become so much of a problem that the state would get involved?

Alabama has the 2nd highest rate of obesity in the country and the state is getting tired of it. That's right. Alabama state workers will end up paying a health insurance penalty for being overweight. Starting January of 2009, the state employees of Alabama will be screened for several health conditions. Those who are obese will have a year to get in shape. Thos who fail will have to pay an extra $25 for health insurance. This has created a lot of controversy and mixed opinions.

State officials have declared that the goal of the program was to make members aware of the risk factors. People who are at risk will receive help from programs such as Weight Watchers and be offered YMCA discounts.

One thing should be considered; being thin doesn't always equate to being healthy. In a recent report, it was noted that out most U.S. adults aged 20 years old and older -- 23.5% of "normal weight" adults were metabolically abnormal. While, 51.3% of adults deemed overweight and 31.7% classified as obese were declared "metabolically healthy."

Another thing that should be considered is the food that is available at work. Maybe if the foods were a bit healthier in the cafeterias and vending machines, obesity wouldn't be as much of a problem.

Obesity may be a problem here in the United States, but I'm not too sure about shelling out an extra $25 fat tax will help anything.

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