This House resolution recognizes the need to prevent, address, and treat obesity as a disease on World Obesity Day, March 4, 2025. The text says obesity is a complex condition caused by genetic, environmental, behavioral, and social factors. It lists many health problems linked to obesity and cites several cost estimates for obesity-related medical spending. The resolution notes higher obesity rates for some racial groups, higher rates for children in low-income families, and higher rates in rural areas. It also says people with obesity often face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care.
The resolution expresses the House's support for treating obesity as a disease and for preventing and treating it. It calls for health care providers and researchers to develop evidence-based strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. No specific new programs or legal changes are described in the text of the resolution.
The resolution cites several cost estimates: nearly $173 billion in annual medical costs in 2019; approximately $283 billion in U.S. obesity-related direct health costs in 2023, with a projection to $526.5 billion by 2033; an estimated global economic impact that could surpass $4 trillion by 2035; and a projected U.S. increase of $48 to $66 billion per year by 2030 if trends continue. The resolution itself does not include language creating or approving new federal spending in the text provided. No publicly available information on specific funding changes is in the resolution text.
Supporters in the resolution say obesity is a multifactorial disease linked to many other health conditions and large medical and economic costs. The resolution emphasizes that genetic, environmental, behavioral, and social determinants contribute to obesity. It urges recognizing obesity as a disease to reduce risks of comorbid conditions and encourages evidence-based prevention, diagnosis, and treatment by health care providers and researchers.
No publicly available information.