New York K 86: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 4, 2021, as Obesity Awareness Day in the State of New York

Bill Text

Assembly Resolution No. 86
M. of A. ReyesBY:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaimMEMORIALIZING
March 4, 2021, as Obesity Awareness Day in the State
of New York
It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognizeWHEREAS,
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of the citizens of New York State; and
Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with itsWHEREAS,
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
World Obesity Day is observed globally on March 4th to leadWHEREAS,
and drive global efforts to reduce, prevent and treat obesity, as well
as to promote practical solutions to end the global obesity crisis; and
This vital initiative is organized by the World ObesityWHEREAS,
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
Obesity is a growing epidemic affecting about 40% of adultsWHEREAS,
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
Experts and researchers agree obesity is a complex diseaseWHEREAS,
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
According to a 2019 study, nearly 28% of New Yorkers areWHEREAS,
obese, compared with the national average of 30.9%; and
Furthermore, total obesity-related costs in New York StateWHEREAS,
are estimated at more than 11.8 billion dollars annually; and
All types of citizens are affected by the disease, howeverWHEREAS,
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
Studies show bias and stigma against people affected byWHEREAS,
obesity, both societal and among healthcare professionals, are
significant barriers to effectively treating the disease; and

Prevention programs, comprehensive care and treatment areWHEREAS,
essential tools in mitigating the human and economic costs of this
public health crisis; and
Research suggests weight loss of 5% to 10% can improveWHEREAS,
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
It is imperative that there be greater awareness of thisWHEREAS,
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations toRESOLVED,
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 4, 2021, as
Obesity Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further
That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, beRESOLVED,
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.