C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign Takes Weight Loss to Washington

Is obesity a choice or a disease? Can it be both? Proponents of designating obesity as a disease say that it is a result of genetics and biological factors. On top of that, some diseases cause obesity.

But, opponents say that obesity is not a disease because it is the result of a person’s environment, lifestyle and eating habits.

Disease or not, one thing is sure: obesity is an epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were 72 million obese people in the United States, and 34.3 percent of adults considered obese.

While the C.H.O.I.C.E. campaign confusingly does not consider obesity a choice, but a disease, the people behind the initiative have their heads and hearts in the right place.  C.H.O.I.C.E. (Choosing Health over Obesity Inspiring Change through Empowerment) is being used as a platform for everyone from average overweight people, to healthcare professionals as a way to encourage Congress to help in the fight against obesity.

The C.H.O.I.C.E. campaign wants people to educate themselves and spread the world. But ultimately, they want you to sign a petition that will be shared with legislators on Capitol Hill. They are looking for 250,000 signatures before they go to Congress. There they will ask legislators to consider methods that can be used for prevention and treatment.

So far there are less than 2,000 signatures, so the campaign needs you to commit your name to the cause. To learn more, and decide on whether it’s something you want to be a part of, go to www.mychoicecampaign.com. The C.H.O.I.C.E. campaign is being sponsored by Allergan, Inc., the makers of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.