2003 Senate Joint Resolution 65
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: focusing attention on healthy lifestyles in Wisconsin in 2004.
Whereas, a behavioral risk factor surveillance system study, as reported in the January 2004 edition of the Journal of Obesity Research, estimates that the annual medical expenses in Wisconsin attributable to obesity are $1,486,000,000; and
Whereas, a 2004 weight status and physical activity report by the Department of Health and Family Services found that obesity and physical inactivity are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Wisconsin and throughout the United States; and
Whereas, obesity causes almost as many deaths as, and costs more to treat, than smoking; and
Whereas, a 2000 national health and nutrition examination survey estimates that 64 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese; and
Whereas, about 22 percent of Wisconsin residents are obese and another 38 percent are overweight; and
Whereas, for adults, being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, arthritis, and breathing problems; and
Whereas, the prevalence of obesity among children is a serious nutrition-related problem and a growing public health concern; and
Whereas, unique opportunities exist for work with children, both in the primary prevention of obesity by avoiding initial weight gain, and in secondary prevention by stopping further weight gain; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature, in recognition of the need to develop and instill healthy lifestyles in Wisconsin residents, encourages persons in the legislature and in executive branch agencies, such as the Department of Health and Family Services and the Department of Public Instruction, to focus attention in 2004 on the problems associated with being overweight or obese, to work with individuals, groups, and communities to educate them about the problems and costs, and to encourage healthy lifestyles to combat these problems.
