02/2012 - Weighty Matters: Louisiana’s Obesity Problem

1. When it comes to health issues confronting the state of Louisiana, how important would you say obesity is as a health issue?

2. How important would you say childhood obesity is as a health issue?

3. And do you think the problem of obesity will get better in the future, will get worse in the future, or will they stay about the same?

4. Some people say obesity is a private issue that people need to deal with on their own. Others say that it is a public health issue that society needs to help solve. Which comes closer to how you feel?

5. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose each of the following as a way to fight obesity in the US?

Making a law requiring restaurants to list nutrition information – such as calorie counts – for all the items on their menus.

6. Government-funded advertising campaigns that warn the public about the health risks of obesity. These ads would be similar to the ones about the dangers of smoking and drugs.

7. Putting a special tax on junk food – that is things like soda, chips, and candy.

8. For individuals on a health plan through their employer, provide incentives, such as extra vacation days, for individuals who regularly go to the gym.

9. Provide federal funding for individuals who want weight maintenance surgeries such as gastric bypass or lap-band surgery .

10. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose each of the following as a way to fight childhood obesity

Prohibiting the sale of unhealthy foods and drinks – like soda, chips and candy – in school vending machines.

11. Limiting television advertisements for unhealthy foods and drinks – like soda, chips and candy – that are targeted at children.

12. Requiring more physical education in public schools.

13. Providing healthier school lunches.

14. In your opinion, should individuals who are classified as “morbidly obese” according to the Body Mass Index, have to pay more for health insurance?

15. If an individual eats at Fast Food Restaurants every single day and becomes obese, who is to blame for this person becoming obese? The individual? Or the fast food restaurant?