MS HR55

Acknowledges March 10, 2010, as the first annual Mississippi Obesity Awareness Day to educate legislators and public officials on health risks and economic impacts of obesity

Documents that Mississippi has the highest obesity rates in the nation, with 32.5% of adults obese and 44.4% of children ages 10-17 overweight or obese

Notes obesity costs the nation $147 billion annually in direct medical expenses and Mississippi employers $13 billion yearly in health insurance claims, sick leave, life insurance, and disability costs

Encourages the Mississippi Legislature, Department of Public Health, Division of Medicaid, and state employee benefits programs to conduct cost-benefit analyses and support evidence-based obesity treatment coverage including preventative care, diet, exercise, and surgery

Directs copies of the resolution to the House and Senate Public Health Committee Chairmen, the Obesity Action Coalition, the Office of Healthy Schools, and the Capitol Press Corps