People seem to be of the attitude that it’s no big deal to be obese. However, the more people who are obese, the more all of us have to pay in insurance premiums! Being obese causes many health problems, and people who have gastric bypass or lap-band surgery are costing EVERYONE who has insurance money. Over 60% of the US is overweight, therefore we all end up suffering. Isn’t it time that insurance companies start offering HEALTHY weight people a discount and charging overweight people more? Make them "carry their own weight" so to speak?
Tumbleweed, very true, smokers should pay more as well!
I am not intolerant, I just don’t think I should not be punished because I am not obese. Why should I pay extra? Insurance companies can work with the doctors to create a guideline for obesity and charge accordingly. Of course the "bodybuilders" would be an exception which would be noted.
I’m not worried about my metabolism changing. I work hard to maintain my health and it doesn’t come easily but I get off my butt and do it.
No I am not rail thin, but I’m a normal, healthy size, not because of genetics, but because I put the effort into it.
It’s not ignorance or intolerance to say that people of a healthy weight shouldn’t be forced to pay the extra price for the people who let themselves become overweight.
It gets really tiresome hearing the "I have bad genetics" or "I have a medical condition" excuses. Seriously, do you really think that 60% of the population has bad genetics or a medical condition? Isn’t it time to take responsibility for your actions and admit that you earned your weight? I have nothing against the small portion of people who have weight issues due to legit medical problems. I have a problem with lazy people who make excuses instead of taking action.
You do raise a valid point. I agree that insurances should be pro-rated based on your health risk.
Think of it as a person who’s had 10 car accidents, shouldn’t they pay more in auto insurance?
And then you have the ones that smoke on top of that!
the vast majority of them do indeed know it…just like the majority of smokers know that they should quit smoking… pray, real hard… that your metabolism never changes( oh and for most people..it does slow down/change w/age..so hope you plan on being 22 forever…)…a little kindness here
Yo, that’s one of the most intolerant and bigoted attitudes I’ve heard in years. There are many medical problems that contribute to obesity that the victim has little control over. Know any diabetics? They didn’t develop diabetes deliberately, kiddo. Nor do victims of irritable bowel syndrome…I could go on and on, but I won’t. We heavy people are as entitled to equal treatment as anyone else. Deal with it.
Are you going to go around and check to see who is overweight and who isn’t? A lot goes into seeing if someone is overweight, not just their weight alone. You have to take into consideration their bone structure, height, sex, muscle mass, etc. Look at professional athletes. Some are 6′ tall and weigh 245. According to the chart on obesity, these statistics make the person obese. They don’t take into consideration that they only have 5-10% bodyfat and a ton of muscle. I do agree, however, that Americans need to get off their butts and get into shape.
You’re not very nice.
I am obese, and I know it. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be this way? For one thing, I have extremely high blood pressure. I could have a stroke and die from it. Show some compassion, for Christ’s sake.
Open your heart and your mind a little bit. Have more compassion for people.
Don’t judge people, or else God will judge you.
really?
did you know that obese people create jobs and money by creating work for doctors, medical companies, farmers, manufacurers, etc etc etc.
skinny people don’t contribute nearly as much to the Gross National Product (a financial term that may be just a tad over your head).
also……most insurance premium raises are due to insurance fraud and malpractice rather than medical procedures.
Lets see lets make the list here what about Alcoholism my car insurance is more because people who have a problem drinking get in cars and drive. I am not one to cause waves but over weight people have a problem that if you never been there you don’t know. Why do insurance companies continue to pay for high cost of taking care of the problems of Obesity but will not pay for a very cheap fix to the problem the lap band that will not only take care of the obesity but make that persons life so much happier.. Bottom line the high profit insurance companies will find a way to take insurance away from those that are high risk and somewhere down the line it will effect you!!!!!!
Weight loss surgery-like gastric bypass /lap band surgery / stomach stapling and gastrectomy have become very common and very safe now. My cousin got her Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in India. She has lost more than 65 lbs in 5 months and is very happy with the results. The price for obesity surgery is very less in India. My cousin just paid 25% of the cost she was quoted in America. She got her surgery from a company called Forerunners Healthcare.
Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and magazines. I have read a lot of their patient stories also. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low cost, as bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that your Obesity surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.
http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.