weight loss, alabama, obesity  I was appalled when I first heard that Alabama had past a law to tax people who are obese.  Then I did more research and discovered that they are taxing state employees $25 more a month if their BMI (body mass index) is in the obese range.  Guess what?  I am still appalled.  Of course, I believe that weight control is vital to our health.  I have always been physically fit.  I love to exercise and enjoy eating healthy.  I have never been obese; however, my BMI is not super low because I am mainly muscle.  As a 41 (almost 42) year old female, I do over 115 push ups (yes, the male kind) during one of my workouts.  One of my sets contains 46 or so push ups at the END of my workout.  Because I am not tall and my weight is not low because I am muscular, I don't have a low BMI. I'm 5'4" at 126lbs.  Does this mean that it is in the obese range?  No.  But it is not far from it.  So first of all, the criteria that Alabama is using is inaccurate.  We all know that many health related issues are linked to age and being overweight.  However, Alabama would've been much more productive if they had done something to the following effect:  1.  Eliminate pop and sugar drinks in vending machines and around kids.  We just visited Alabama,  Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas this summer.  It was very difficult for our children (and us) to find a drink that was a healthy choice even at restaurants.  2.  Reduce fast food and fried food being offered especially to children and 3.  revamp the school lunches and daycare programs to promote natural foods that support children's health.  These are just some of the ideas that would've done more than just tax people.  
    If the state could give incentives for companies, schools, and individuals to promote a healthy lifestyle, the effects would be earth shattering.  The state can offer discounts, savings and tax benefits for people who drop their body fat and improve their health.  Offer memberships to health clubs and allow time (or even require time) for people to exercise in moderation.  If we work with the children and the adults to achieve this, then our future generations can regain their health.  The generation now, sadly, is the first generation that is NOT expected to live longer than their parents.  I don't know about you, but I'm not going to let that be true with our 5 children.  
    Penalizing people who already are fighting a battle is wrong.  It is too easy to get discouraged when trying to lose weight if you don't have support.  And $25 is not enough to encourage a person:  it'll only angers the general population (fit or not).    No one will feel excellent by doing it this way.  
    I certainly hope Alabama over turns this law and finds a way to promote instead of penalize.  There are so many weight loss programs that are natural and good for your health.  For instance, Shaklee's Cinch program where it teaches you how to modify your habits so you can lose fat, not muscle.  Ask your doctors and friends for help .  Please don't try to do the quick solutions that aren't healthy or safe.  Typically these are 'just take this supplement or drink this drink...you  don't need to change the way you are eating or change your exercise habits'.  These kinds of statements should put a red flag up -- please turn the other way.   These fast solutions many times are more detrimental to your health than the extra weight.

Click here to check your BMI.

Click here to read about Alabama's law on obesity.

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