WHEREAS, The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States exceeds 60%, and has increased dramatically in recent decades; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Islanders lead New England states in being overweight and obese. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type II Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, several types of cancer, Gallbladder Disease and Osteoarthritis are associated with obesity. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased depression, social stigmatization, decreased activities of daily living and mobility; and

WHEREAS, Over 300,000 American deaths per year are associated with obesity and being overweight. Disorders related to obesity and overweight cost the American public $117 billion in the year 2000; and

WHEREAS, Women of lower socioeconomic status are approximately 50% more likely to be obese than those of higher socioeconomic status; and

WHEREAS, Obesity prevention efforts are not well funded. Weight loss treatment is not well funded unless associated with a co-morbidity such as diabetes or heart disease; and

WHEREAS, Obesity and overweight have been recognized by the Surgeon General as having, "reached nationwide epidemic proportions"; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby calls attention to issues of obesity and overweight in Rhode Islanders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Patricia Markham Risica of the Institute for Community Health Promotion.