Bill Text: NY K00086 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 4, 2021, as Obesity Awareness Day in the State of New York

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2021-03-04 - adopted [K00086 Detail]

Download: New_York-2021-K00086-Introduced.html

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Assembly Resolution No. 86

BY: M. of A. Reyes

        MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
        March 4, 2021, as Obesity Awareness Day in the State
        of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness  of  issues  that
affect the lives of the citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this  Legislative  Body  to
memorialize  Governor  Andrew  M.  Cuomo  to  proclaim March 4, 2021, as
Obesity Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with  the
observance of World Obesity Day; and

  WHEREAS, World Obesity Day is observed globally on March 4th to lead
and  drive  global efforts to reduce, prevent and treat obesity, as well
as to promote practical solutions to end the global obesity crisis; and

  WHEREAS, This vital initiative is organized  by  the  World  Obesity
Federation,  a  non-profit  body which is in official relations with the
World Health Organization and is the only  global  organization  focused
exclusively on obesity; and

  WHEREAS, Obesity is a growing epidemic affecting about 40% of adults
in  the  United  States,  and is recognized as a chronic disease by many
leading medical professional and patient  organizations,  including  the
American  Medical  Association,  American  Heart  Association,  American
Academy of  Family  Physicians,  American  Board  of  Obesity  Medicine,
Endocrine Society, and the Obesity Society; and

  WHEREAS,  Experts and researchers agree obesity is a complex disease
influenced by various psychological, environmental, and genetic factors;
those affected by the disease are at  higher  risk  of  developing  many
health-related  conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers; and

  WHEREAS, According to a 2019 study, nearly 28% of  New  Yorkers  are
obese, compared with the national average of 30.9%; and

  WHEREAS,  Furthermore, total obesity-related costs in New York State
are estimated at more than 11.8 billion dollars annually; and

  WHEREAS, All types of citizens are affected by the disease,  however
according  to  the  National Center for Health Statistics, obesity has a
disproportionate impact among lower income individuals, those with  less
education, and minority communities; and

  WHEREAS,  Studies  show  bias  and stigma against people affected by
obesity,  both  societal  and  among   healthcare   professionals,   are
significant barriers to effectively treating the disease; and

  WHEREAS,  Prevention  programs, comprehensive care and treatment are
essential tools in mitigating the  human  and  economic  costs  of  this
public health crisis; and

  WHEREAS,  Research  suggests  weight  loss  of 5% to 10% can improve
health and reduce the risk of  some  obesity-related  diseases  and  can
thereby  advance  the goals of state public health initiatives to reduce
chronic disease, improve health outcomes, and control healthcare  costs;
and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at  the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  to  proclaim  March  4,  2021,  as
Obesity Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the  State  of
New York.