Diet & Fitness Blog
Smokers and Obese Penalized
Email PageStaff Writer
America needs help. With obesity rates on the rise and health insurance costs out of control, Americans are struggling to stay healthy. Obesity and smoking are two of the top risk factors for a number of ailments, as well as America's No. 1 killer: heart disease.
The question then becomes: How can we get Americans healthy?
It seems that North Carolina has come up with a plan and is following in the footsteps of other states to penalize state employees for unhealthy behaviors. State workers who qualify as obese will face higher insurance rates starting in July 2011, and tobacco users will pay higher prices starting in July 2010.
The idea of unhealthy behaviors increasing insurance costs is not new; most public health insurance plans already penalize smokers and give discounts to nonsmokers, but increasing cost for obese Americans leads some to believe that local governments are overstepping their authority.
South Carolina state employees who smoke will be paying an additional $25 per month on their insurance rates starting in January, much like Kentucky and Georgia, while other states like Alabama give nonsmokers a discount.
Alabama has been on the forefront of improving the health of its employees. State workers have through January to get a free health screening to determine health risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity that could increase -- or decrease -- the cost of their insurance. (Learn more about the Alabama plan.)
North Carolina hopes to save lives and money with this new plan for a healthier workforce. Last year alone, the state spent $2.6 billion covering the health plans of more than 600,000 state employees, teachers and retirees.
"Tobacco use and poor nutrition and inactivity are the leading causes of preventable deaths in our state," says Anne Rogers, director of integrated health management with the N.C. State Employees Health Plan. "We're trying to encourage individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles."
But is this type of "encouragement" really helpful? Something clearly must be done about the growing obesity problem in this country, but is this form of punitive persuasion the answer?
"It may work for some but not for many, especially those who have serious, chronic diseases and have been battling weight and health issues for a long period of time," warns eDiets Director of Nutrition Services Pamela Ofstein. "I think it's helpful that the states are taking notice of the obesity problem but do have some reservations on the overall approach."
While it is too early to know whether these strategies are effective, the rest of the country will surely be watching and waiting to see if these states have the answer for improving workers' health and bringing health care costs down.
Should states encourage healthy lifestyles or enforce rules against unhealthy habits? Should it be left to the individual? Weigh in by commenting below.
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Labels: exercise, government, health, healthy, healthy-living, nutrition, obesity, weight-loss
Comment by 
said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:00:00 AM
They need to prove that people that are obese are costing more money for healthcare. I exercise 4 days a week, I have low cholesterol, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, rarely get sick, yet I'm 5'5" and 206 pounds so I'm considered obese. Prove that I'm unhealthy! If they do this in my state, I'm suing....
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:37:00 AM
When the government starts telling you how to live your life, they are in control...not you. We are supposed to be a FREE country.
Big brother is watching you!
Comment by 
Debbie said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:09:00 AM
Being obese does not mean just your weight but your body fat. I don't know how they are going to regulate all this. Some peoples cholesterol's high because it's inherited. I believe if they want to do that they should take bad foods out of the stores and make healthy food more affordable. This country is not a free country anymore.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:13:00 AM
I think this is grossly unfair. They want to penalize obesity-but offer nothing to help people who are obese lose weight or become healthier. Do they offer any help with bypass? NO. Do they offer any subsidies for gym membership? NO. Do they offer any subsidies for any kind of behavior modification on weight NOOOOOOOO. Yet they want to charge the obese more. How about pregnancy?. That is a health risk and at it is a decision. How about motorcycles-do the owner's get charged extra? That is a health risk. How about drinking? That is a health risk for some people.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:16:00 AM
This is ridiculous. We are not children who need to be nannied. If the insurance companies and our governments are really interested in our health, then why don't they offer to pay for people's gym member ships? Will the extra costs in the plans for the 'obese' and for smokers include plans to help people lower their weight or to stop smoking? Why isn't anything done about GMO foods or the additives in our foods? Is putting cloned meat on our grocery store shelves going to help with the decline of our health? Are these foods causing obesity?
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:47:00 AM
I think we've had about enough of the 'government' telling us how to live our lives. If they paid into taxes and social security like the rest of us do they'd most likely change their minds about butting into the lives of the taxpayers who pay their salaries. I agree that smoking an obesity are not good for a person's health but is it up to the governmnet, local, state or federal to tell us how and what to eat or what to do. I'm fed up with the whole governmental process. I think instead of being a democratic country, we have or are quickly becoming communistic.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:18:00 PM
Are we forgetting food is necessary for survival and tobacco is not? How can you compare?...and put them in the same category of unhealthiness...You have many unnecessary unhealthy practices to penalize workers and the medical costs associated with their individual choices...such as drinking and driving
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:22:00 PM
I was very surprised at the weigh they considered you to be obese. This is very dangerous -- we are slowing but surely losing our rights to live the way we want to.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:25:00 PM
I am appauled!! I think that this is against our rights.and if this shall pass then it is only fair that people who take any types of drugs illegal or otherwise should be penalized. Anyone engaging in promiscous sex,Anyone who is handicapped or mentally ill. The list goes on and on.....
Discrimination comes in many forms.
It is a fact that the poor are often the most obese..
This is wrong on many levels.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 1:28:00 PM
One thing these people don't take into account is that smokers and the morbidly obese ultimately save insurance companies money because they die sooner and don't use as much insurance in the long run. Insurance companies know this already,and so are getting the money from the obese and smokers twice. Cynical? You bet!
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 1:32:00 PM
Obesity is not all your fault. In the last 50 years, your food has been adulterated. High fructose corn syrup,aspertame and unfermented soy have upset your sugar metabolism and made you estrogen-dominant.Americans have highly acid, inflammed bodies that cause heart disease and strokes, mostly because of high grain (Omega 6) consumption.Allopathic medicine does not focus on prevention,nutrition or hormones.We teach people how to make a living and not how to live.Minerals are more important than vitamins, and the soils are depleted. Big Pharma and Big Ag are making a fortune off disease they cause. Education is the only answer.
Comment by glogoogledit said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 1:42:00 PM
I think it's really funny to listen to all of you in a panic about your rights being violated. Many years ago as the laws were just beginning to change against smokers and I overheard a fat nurse (and others) say, "Smoking is bad for everyone! I'm so glad the government is finally doing something about it!" Well, I hope she’s still around to notice who the big bad wolf (our government) wants to eat now. Smokers were only an appetizer for him and he’s really hungry this time. How innocent and stupid we were to think he would only go after someone else and never us.
There's still time to get angry and do something about it but I doubt any of you will. You'll whine and moan a lot but eventually you’ll become accustomed to your new status, like the smokers did. Wonder who’s next on the menu.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 2:06:00 PM
I am with others here. I'm 5'6" and weight 192 yet I am in great health. I'll get a class action going and sue.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 2:16:00 PM
Come on people. People need to stop eating. Obesity it way out of hand. Maybe those who can't run a mile because of their fatness should have to pay more.. we have to start somewhere.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 2:27:00 PM
I completely agree with this decision. How can obesity be left out of control while health care costs sky-rocket. Now is this the perfect way to begin to address this cause, no...but it's a good start. As soon as we as a country start to look around and see how overweight we're all becoming (67%) then the true problem can be addressed. You can control your weight if it's a priority in your life. It's very difficult for some (like many in my family) but it comes down to lifestyle choices. I chose to watch my diet and exercise regularly and my health is a product of that. I think the people who are getting the most upset are the ones who are not willing to admit to their weaknesses. I apologize if this is offensive, but it's the truth.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 2:50:00 PM
Insurance companies don't currently cover the cost for any weight loss procedures or any assistance with fighting the addiction of nicotine and food. Both addiction are difficult to overcome. So, let's shift the responsibilities to the Insurance Companies and to the Government to assist those individuals by covering the cost of procedures that has been proven to work, i.e., gastic bypass surgery, lap bands, smoking cesstation program, as opposed to coping out on those folks and making health coverage impossible.
Comment by glogoogledit said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 3:43:00 PM
Neither the government nor the insurance companies should cover the cost of fixing a bad habit you've developed. It's your problem so you fix it! You can't be free if every little problem you have has to be taken care of by someone else.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 5:21:00 PM
If the governments insurance bill passes and every american HAS to have insurance it is going to be a huge disaster.
Health insurance will become just like auto insurance, they will be able to charge what they want and raise rates (more than they do now) when they want.
There are alot of questions that have to be addressed.
If one is told to loose the weight and does not loose in a timely manner will the ins. co. be able to drop you or make you pay more??
What if one has tried all that they can and just can not loose the extra pounds, will the ins. co. be able to drop you or charge you even more??
What if one is on meds that make you gain weight, will the ins. co be able to drop you or make you pay even more??
What if you are incupasitated and gain weight will the ins. co. be able drop you or make you pay even more??
I agree with some of the other posters that the government should give allowances for gym, counseling, Weight Watchers and surgery for the morbidly obese.
And yes before anyone attacks I am over weight but I have lost 13 lbs. so far with the help of my Dr.
This is NOT a well thought out plan. I am beginning to rethink my postition on the health care subject.
What will they attack next??
Comment by said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:38:00 PM
Of course, the state has to intervene, since people don't seem to know any better. Ultimately, if they are uninsured the government pays for their care, so they should have a vested interest. The risk factors are not only cardiac, but include obstructive sleep apnea and arthritis which cause disability and add to the cost of healthcare. I believe Big Brother has to watch everyone and eventually will for their own good!
Comment by Home Gym System said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:59:00 PM
They're going about this all wrong. They're penalizing the end result rather than stopping the cause. It's like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike.
They banned tobacco ads on TV because tobacco was killing us. They took the tobacco companies to court for spiking smokes with addictive chemicals. Now fatty and sugary food is killing us.
Just like gas guzzling cars. You don't increase vehicle license fees because someone drives a car that only gets 10 mpg. You go after the companies building the cars and make them change how they make the cars.
So, isn't it logical to stop showing food ads on TV? Then take food manufacturers and fast food chains to court and tell them to stop putting all that processed crap into what America is eating. They make it tasier and more convenient and when we fall for it, we're to blame?
Comment by Dr. No said... - Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:46:00 PM
Listen - you all wouldn't even be on this e-diets forum if you weren't trying to improve your lifestyle choices. You don't have do have any 'procedures' or join a gym to get in shape. Walk more. Stop eating fast food. eat more veggies. I know it's not as easy as it sounds, but for goodness sake - America is fat, and it is costing all of us. At very least, stop with the sugary drinks and the fries. Opt for water and a side salad. You'll see improvements quickly.
I would, however, like to see where the money is going. If the penalty dollars are just going to pad some insurance execs pockets, I'm against it. If it goes, say, into a fund to subsidize programs for th obese, I'm for it - or to cover obesity related illnesses. Or how about this - how about LOWERING premiums for those of us who get a perfect bill of health?
Comment by said... - Thursday, October 15, 2009 6:06:00 AM
Government wants us to stop smoking, but then where would it get the additional tax money that is generated from cigarette sales? Government wants us to not be obese, so why don't they penalize the restaurants and food manufacturers that serve and produce the foods that are making us an obese society. Many people want to loose weight and become healthy but are penalized because the healthy products are priced outside of their income. Why does an unhealthy can of soup cost 69 cents while a healthy can of soup costs almost $2.00? Go to McDonalds, BurgerKing, Jack-in-the-Box and try to get a healthy meal. With today's lifestyle, both parents working not one, but two and three jobs just to keep their heads above water, children enrolled in too many activities, having to care for elderly parents, no one has time to prepare healthy homecooked meals, let alone all sitting down to dinner. Maybe the public should band together and start taxing the government for minding our business instead of theirs.
Comment by said... - Thursday, October 15, 2009 5:03:00 PM
This is the same thing they have been doing to smokers for years. Now they have forced millions to quit smoking and have to find their money elsewhere. Big brother has always been watching and as a smoker who has paid more than my share it's about time the other unhealthy groups join us. Personally I think we just get rid of most of the overpaid government and there will be plenty of money for real needs.
Comment by said... - Thursday, October 15, 2009 5:58:00 PM
I am a state employee in North Carolina, and I can tell you that there are a couple of facts in this story that are not quite accurate, or missing entirely. #1 When our brainless Governor needed to balance the budget, she did so on the backs of state employees. Instead of implementing a fraction of a percent increase in state income tax (spreading the burden among all residents), she imposed a "pay furlough" on state employees only. This means that for two months she "stole" $250.00 out of my paychecks. In return, I was given 10 extra hours of "leave time." News flash, Ms. Purdue, I don't make $50.00 an hour, so that's not exactly a fair trade, is it?
#2 Nobody is raising the premiums for the obese or the smokers. The state will be automatically switching the obese and the smokers from the current 80/20 insurance plan to the 70/30 insurance plan (higher co-pays and deductibles). This is just another back door way that Beverly Purdue has come up with to saddle state employees with the burden of generating more operating funds for her budget (the state pays our premiums and the 70/30 plan costs them a lot less).
A few months ago, she also did away with the 90/10 plan that I was on entirely. Funny thing is, I paid to be on that plan...I don't pay to be on the 80/20 plan.
I quit smoking a year ago because I was ready to quit. I also lost 70lbs over that same year because I had gained it working my sedentary job for the state, and I decided I better lose it for my long term health. Now here's the kicker: As a result of that low fat diet that helped me knock those pounds off, I have developed gall stones (and I only lost about 8lbs a month), so now the insurance company gets to pay to have my gallbladder removed...HA!
I wonder how many state employees are going to go on crash diets in a desperate attempt to lose weight quickly to avoid this change in insurance coverage, and I wonder how many gallbladder surgeries the insurance company is going to be paying for as a result.
None of the above is about encouraging employees to be healthier, nor is it about punishing people for smoking or being obese. It is; however, about using state employees wages and benefits to fix the state's budget crisis without raising taxes because old Bev wants to make sure she gets a second term in office. Here's another news flash: I know of at least 600,000 people who would vote for my dog before they would vote to re-elect this woman!
Comment by said... - Friday, October 16, 2009 1:55:00 AM
I have been obese my entire life but I have never needed any meds to keep me going. I'm never sick from work and very seldom go to the doctors. I would suggest the government and insurance companies look deeper into who is actually costing money for healthcare. They need to limit the people who are getting a free ride and make them start paying for some of their costs. I know people on medicaid that will go to the ER for the smallest ailment. These people should face consequences for abusing medicaid so the hospitals and doctors don't have to offset their costs by charging the insurance companies and private individuals that have to pay their own bills
Comment by said... - Friday, October 16, 2009 11:03:00 AM
Oh okay let's go after the obese people and not the insurance companies because they are being fiscally responsible "right". WAKE UP PEOPLE!! The insuance companies are going to do whatever they want and charge whatever they want because the politicians are getting paid by the insurance companies. And you just keep voting them in. Enough said,I rest my case.
Comment by said... - Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:26:00 AM
The Insurance Industry is interested in one thing and one thing only: PROFIT.
Discussing anything, logically or otherwise, is pointless.
The bottom line IS the bottom line: MONEY.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 10:14:00 AM
Surprise, surprise...Uncle Sam wants to make decisions for us once again. I am not overweight, nor do I smoke, and am totally against smokers and over-weight individuals being penalized!!!
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 10:31:00 AM
It seems the other persons struggles are always worse than our own.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 10:51:00 AM
FREEDOM.....we fought and still fight for this.......choices have always been the "AMERICAN WAY"...taking away this is in complete contrast to what soo many have died for
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 10:55:00 AM
I disagree with the government getting involved in peoples personal lives. Obesity, can be caused by many medical illness, and as long as Smokers are being pushed to quit it will not happen... Let the people of the US make their own decisions
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:37:00 AM
I DON'T REALLY LIKE SUCH A POLICY. HOWEVER, IF SUCH A THING WOULD BE ABLE TO PASS, THEN I THINK POLITICIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE PENALIZED FOR STUPIDITY.
- R
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:42:00 AM
We are all different, and we need to be ourselves. Focing us to change, a habit or something that we have been doing for years is not right. We have rights and this is going to be conflicting with them.
I say no to forcing us to change.
Comment by Marna said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 5:56:00 PM
Comment by said... - Tuesday, November 03, 2009 9:23:00 PM
THIS IS DOWN RIGHT DISCRIMINATION TO ALL BODY TYPES REGARDLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Richard said... - Wednesday, November 04, 2009 9:53:00 AM
I love the way everybody is leaping before they look. Nobody is taking anybody's rights away and nobody is telling you how you HAVE to live your life. What the employer (N. Carolina) is saying, if you want to keep YOUR premiums down while you work for us, then follow our rules.
All complanies have rules, some require you to wear business attire, others forbid tatoos that show, some require a certain education, perhaps speak differant languages, etc.
Bottom line is this, the "company" can for the most part make any rules it wants, and if you do not agree to them then you are more then welcome to seek employment elsewhere. You can also be assured that there will be waivers given to those with medical conditions that prevent them from meeting the guide lines.
Oh well, just my two cents worth.
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:48:00 AM
It seems to me that if you smoke drink or are obese then you will be the ones to help save NC money.
I think the whole thing is crazy just like the sin tax what about all the fast food everyone eats ??Next the governement will be checking our bag lunch to make sure we eat what they want us or think we should eat to be healthy.
We pay for our insurance and when we need to use it we should be able to use it and not be pointed out as obese or a smoker or a drinker. The land of the free is no more. The government should not be able to to tell people how to live.I my self won't put up with this and I will do some suing.
Comment by Curly said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:04:00 AM
Whatever happened to taking responsibility for your own actions!
Comment by Wayne said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:41:00 AM
Whine, whine, whine! It's about time people assume responsibility for their lifestyle. Overweight & obese people have more health care costs and therefore should pay more. Eat more & pay more. Eat less & pay less. Get it under control people. It's a choice for most people. Give up the junk food. Eat healthy and exercise (real exercise not pseudo-exercise) and you'll be healthier and pay less. It isn't rocket science.
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:30:00 AM
You have to understand the insurance companies are pushing the law makers to pass this ridiculous laws, but the law makers should respond to US. We elected them and they represent us, if we do not complain and let them know what we think about them bending over for the insurance companies there will be no change.
Instead of complaining here about the government violating your rights and preparing to sue, call your senators and representatives and tell them what you think and that you will NOT vote for them if they do not listen to the people. IF we do not vote out the corrupt polititians that serve the insurance and oil companies this government will never change, no matter who the president is.
THE CHANGE IS IN YOUR HANDS. We all can PREVENT our rights being violated instead of trying to sue. Once the law is in effect there is no winning a suit.
Protest, is one of your rights! Call your states senator and representatives TODAY!
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:01:00 AM
well I gave up smoking six weeks ago and I am already ten pounds heavier and I excerise three times a week and walk some people are just programed to be heavy I am so sick of people looking down at everybody who does not fit there idea of normal
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:49:00 PM
I have always taken care of my health. My Dad had a heart problem and my brother and I inherited it. We each had open heart surgery and did well and are both in our 70's and still take good care of ourselves and exercise and do not smoke. Everyone should be responsible for their own health. Society makes it too easy to be lazy. What is that old saying? "GOD TAKES CARE OF THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES!" No one force feeds you or makes you smoke!
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:51:00 PM
I don't have a problem with penalizing obese persons and smokers as long as anyone who has a history of illegal drug use and alcohol abuse-even if it was in their teens and college years when they are trying to find themselves, or uses a cell phone or text messaging while driving, or uses ATV's-quadroplegia is very expensive, has an addiction to sex-prostitutes, homosexuals-lots of very expensive diseases and medicenes used to keep these people alive and healthy--I hope you get my point...if your going to pinpoint one section of society that has flaws let's be fair and get them all. And if the government does that then there will be no use for insurance because no one will be treated for anything. Think the economy is in trouble now just shut down medical treatments.
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:07:00 PM
Well, it does seem like a good way to get Americans a little bit healthier... or to cause a riot. I think the smoking penalty is fair because it is very risky and known to cause many ailments, but the obese penalty? It's not like people can just drop the weight at a snap of fingers, it takes time, years even.
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:36:00 PM
I think it is up to the individual. I smoke, but am not obese or overweight. I do not think the government should dictate to people how to live. After all, this is supposed to be a free country, not a communist one. Just because one is overweight or obese, does not mean they are not healthy. Many times certain things run in families. I think the government should be more concerned with the quality of the products people use every day and getting the great citizens of this country back to work.
Comment by said... - Thursday, November 19, 2009 6:32:00 PM
I am overweight and do not smoke but I am rarely sick. I may not agree with smokers especially when they smoke around children but should the government be the ones that get involved with these things. Where will it stop! Sounds as if this just might be the start of the government trying take more control when they are unable to control their own lives and the bad things that they do.
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