Aug 27 2008
Fat and Cheap
There are no two ways about it: I am obese.
I know that I should have a better diet. I know that I should exercise more. Yet I don’t.
I have tried all kinds of motivation.
That slinky red dress I have been longing to wear. My tenth college reunion. The possibility of meeting my husband’s ex-girlfriend, or running into my ex-boyfriend. Being fit enough to be cast on “The Amazing Race.” Being healthy enough to dance at my children’s wedding. Being alive to spoil my grandchildren.
Ashamedly, none of these have worked.
But the prospect of having to pay money if I don’t lose weight? That just might.
Not only am I fat, but I am also cheap.
Alabama is giving its workers one year to be fit. If they don’t, they will have to pay $25 a month for insurance they usually get for free.
Normally, I would already be firing off an acrid e-mail to the governor of Alabama accusing the state of prejudice against the heavy set. But this one makes too much sense. Obesity leads to a slew of costly diseases, and taxpayers who are practicing healthy lifestyles shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden.
Alabama is already making smokers pay an extra $24 a month for insurance using the same logic (is smoking a dollar less hazardous than being obese?).
Alabama might be one of the fattest states in our nation, but it seems like it is also proving to be one of the smartest.
