Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in fact, have a role and a voice.
Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
• Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources.
The Assignment: (1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
S.2407 - Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following:
• Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your position.
• Explain how the social determinants of income, age, education, or gender affect this legislation.
• Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific and provide examples.
• Bill amendment
• At least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course specific resources are used.
Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Title: The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 - A Critical Step Towards Addressing the Obesity Crisis
Introduction: Honorable Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow advocates, I stand before you today to advocate for the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 (S.2407). As a healthcare professional deeply committed to improving the well-being of individuals and communities, I believe this bill presents a unique opportunity to address the pressing issue of obesity in our nation.
Advocating for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act: The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to provide the necessary tools and resources to combat the obesity epidemic that plagues our society. This bill recognizes the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle obesity, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and research.
By supporting this bill, we can take a significant step towards improving the health outcomes of millions of Americans. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act will ensure access to evidence-based obesity care services, expand coverage for obesity treatments, and promote research to deepen our understanding of this complex condition. Moreover, this legislation will strengthen prevention efforts by investing in community-based initiatives and education programs.
Addressing the Social Determinants of Health: It is crucial to acknowledge the impact of social determinants of health on the prevalence of obesity. Factors such as income, age, education, and gender play a significant role in shaping an individual’s ability to adopt healthy behaviors and access appropriate healthcare. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act recognizes these disparities and aims to address them by providing equitable access to obesity care services for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
For instance, lower-income individuals often face barriers such as limited access to affordable healthy food options and safe recreational spaces. This bill includes provisions for funding community programs that promote nutrition education, physical activity, and access to healthy food in underserved areas. By addressing these social determinants, we can create an environment that supports healthier lifestyles and reduces the burden of obesity on vulnerable populations.
Addressing Opposition: While advocating for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, it is essential to address potential opposition and provide evidence-based arguments. One common argument against such legislation is the belief that obesity is solely an individual responsibility and that government intervention would infringe upon personal freedom.
To counter this opposition, we must emphasize that obesity is a complex issue influenced by various factors beyond individual choice. Research has consistently shown that genetics, environment, and social determinants play a significant role in obesity development. By investing in prevention programs, expanding treatment options, and supporting research, this bill aims to empower individuals rather than restrict their choices.
Furthermore, it is imperative to highlight the economic burden associated with obesity. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act recognizes that the cost of inaction far outweighs the investment required to address this crisis. By reducing the prevalence of obesity, we can alleviate the strain on healthcare systems, improve productivity, and ultimately save billions of dollars in healthcare expenditures.
Bill Amendment: In order to strengthen the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, I propose an amendment to include provisions for increased collaboration between healthcare providers, public health agencies, community organizations, and schools. This collaboration would facilitate comprehensive obesity prevention efforts, including early intervention strategies targeting children and adolescents.
Conclusion: In conclusion, I urge you, esteemed members of Congress, to support the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023. By advocating for this bill, we have an opportunity to address the obesity crisis head-on, promote equitable access to care, reduce health disparities, and improve the overall health outcomes of our nation. Let us seize this moment to create a healthier future for all Americans.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
Trust for America’s Health. (2020). The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. Retrieved from https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2020/
Course Specific Resources:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (3rd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.
Mason, D.J., Gardner, D.B., Outlaw, F.H., & O’Grady, E.T. (Eds.). (2016). Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care (7th ed.). St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.