Should You Get Fined for Being Overweight? What About for High Cholesterol?

At the beginning of this next year, Alabama, the 3rd most obese state in the country, will enact a law in which the blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and body mass will be screened. People considered obese will actually face a fine if they don’t shape up! Now, everyone knows that America has been facing what has been named the ‘obesity epidemic’ for years. And, as a former college athlete who grew up in the least fat state (Colorado) but is now living in Alabama, I have to say that this idea was initially appealing as I do believe that everyone should really take an interest and invest some time in their health. But, this new policy brings up some other issues that really should be considered before other states start making money off people’s thunder thighs.

First of all, the policy itself is a little questionable. It only applies to people who are employed that will be screened. Since when does an employer have the right to judge your body type? Could this lead to overweight people facing job discrimination? Also, what about the unemployed overweight people? How can we reach them? Additionally, the policy is going to be that workers have 1 year to get into shape before being fined but there is really no effort being made to educate people on the healthy habits needed to improve weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and so on. In my opinion, education or lack thereof is one of the biggest contributors to unhealthy habits and this seems to be especially lacking in places like the south. How can the state charge people for not having the education the state was supposed to provide them with?

Finally, one has to wonder where that extra money will go. As I said, I grew up in Colorado where public transportation and fitness areas are abundant, easy to access, and well-kept. I remember one time when there was a blizzard there and we couldn’t get out of our driveway for 2 days because they hadn’t plowed the street…but the bike path was plowed within 5 hours of snowfall! Here in Alabama, it is a different story. The public transportation system is shotty at best. Some people I know have tried taking the bus and ended up sitting there for 2 hours when the bus broke down-and this is not an uncommon experience. Sidewalks are broken and decrepid when they are actually present. And while there are pretty hilly areas that would be great for hiking, these are not maintained at all. The gates to these areas are locked during the day for some reason, and the trails are constantly covered with falling down trees, diseased trees, and unclear pathways. It seems that, if the state is going to be charging people for being overweight, then that money should be used to make these areas accessible so people will actually be able to use them. Instead, it appears the money is going to insurance companies!

Consequently, one could play devil’s advocate and wonder why do we as a society really need to worry about people’s obesity and health? I mean, the benefits of staying healthy through diet, exercise, and mental wellness have been well-documented for a number of years and generally these things contribute to a longer life-span among other things. Yet the world is extremely over-populated, our country is in debt, and social security funds are running out. If people who don’t take care of themselves end up living shorter lives and requiring less social security funds and healthcare later on, then is that really a bad thing? Maybe it’s more of a natural selection-only the strong will survive. Only those who take care of themselves will live longer. Most people know this fact, and still choose to clog their arteries with fried potatoes and grits then maybe that should be there choice. Who does it really hurt if they are overweight and have high cholesterol? It seems like there are bigger (no pun intended) issues out there.

Another part of me thinks that the source should be cut off rather than the people who use that source. What I mean is, shouldn’t the companies that are producing unhealthy food, mindless video games, and clothes for the ‘big and tall’ be charged for making these things available and advertising them like crazy? Tobacco companies have been shunned for selling a product that kills people. Why isn’t that same attitude being extended to McDonald’s? Drug dealers are given much stricter sentences than drug users. Why isn’t the same policy being extended to the colon-stuffing industry? I believe that if this stuff wasn’t so readily available and people weren’t so pressured to take on so many tasks in a job, then people would take more advantage of fitness activities and would take the time to cook the healthy food. So why should the state charge people for being overweight when the state’s economy is fueled by stores, restaurants, and advertisements that encourage unhealthy habits? That doesn’t really seem fair, does it?

Alabama is not the only state pursuing these types of policies. Other states may follow suit. I am totally in favor of healthy eating and active lifestyles. But charging people for living a different lifestyle? I’m not so sure.