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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Obesity is a serious public health concern in the |
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United States, where more than 42 percent of all adults qualify as |
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obese and the number of people with severe obesity continues to |
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grow; in the State of Texas, the adult obesity rate is 34 percent; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Experts and researchers agree that obesity is a |
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complex disease that is influenced by a variety of physiological, |
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environmental, and genetic factors; those affected by the disease |
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are at higher risk of developing many other health conditions, |
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including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular |
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disease, stroke, and some types of cancer; and |
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WHEREAS, While prevention programs have successfully |
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established the seriousness of the public health crisis posed by |
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obesity, it is also imperative that individuals and families with |
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the disease receive comprehensive care and treatment; research |
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suggests that losing as little as five to ten percent of total body |
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weight can mitigate the health risks of obesity, but studies also |
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show that the bias and stigma associated with the disease are |
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significant barriers to effective treatment; and |
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WHEREAS, Health care professionals, policy makers, patients, |
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and families should regard obesity with the same level of |
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importance as other chronic diseases; further, obese patients |
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should be treated with respect and compassion and should be |
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provided with assistance in exploring options for weight loss and |
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weight management, including reduced-calorie diets, physical |
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activity, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery; and |
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WHEREAS, Improving the treatment of obesity will require |
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concerted action on a number of levels, and the observance of |
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Obesity Care Week, which takes place from February 28 to March 6, |
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2021, serves to highlight the urgency of this public health issue |
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and the need to implement a patient-centered, research-driven model |
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of care; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 28 to March 6, 2021, as |
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Obesity Care Week in Texas and encourage all residents of the Lone |
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Star State to learn more about lifestyle habits that can lead to |
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better health. |