Assembly Resolution No. 895

BY: M. of A. Reyes

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 4, 2024, 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 4, 2024, 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 4, 2024, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.