Home
>
Weight Loss
>
Losing Weight: Healthier Wallet

Losing Weight: Healthier Wallet

Lose Weight - Get A Break
----------------------------------------
The American Obesity Association (AOA) wants to give new meaning to getting a deduction. Losing weight should get you a deduction. The non-profit advocacy organization is trying to change IRS policy to allow taxpayers to deduct the cost of weight loss treatments.

The AOA and 10 other organizations (including Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, several pharmaceutical companies, professional societies, and consumer advocate groups) petitioned the IRS last year to reverse the revenue ruling that includes weight loss among such other non-deductible categories as cosmetic surgery and health clubs, and until recently, smoking cessation programs.

Weight Loss Programs Should Get The Same Break as Smoking Cessation Programs
----------------------------------------
The AOA would like to see weight loss treatments included in the same category of allowable medical expenses like treatments for heart disease or stroke. According to Downey, the IRS responded to the petition last October by saying consideration would be given to reverse the revenue ruling if facts were provided establishing either that obesity itself is a disease, or weight loss by an obese person could prevent the onset of disease.

The AOA responded with an "exhaustive submission covering both of those bases," Downey says. "It almost gets to the point, why did we ask this question in the first place, it's so obvious, but of course, it isn't, there's still a lot of misunderstanding about obesity."

The AOA wants the reversal to allow deductions for the costs of comprehensive obesity treatment, including surgery, pharmacology, behavioral counseling, and programs for the specific purpose of weight maintenance and loss. Downey says he's "optimistic" the IRS will rule in their favor based on the strength of the evidence in their 58-page submission to the agency.

Obesity Is Considered A Chronic Disease
-----------------------------------------
Chris Rosenbloom, PhD, RD says obesity is considered a "chronic disease, it has actually been classified a disease. It's probably the biggest chronic health problem that we have in the United States." Rosenbloom is an associate professor of nutrition at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Rosenbloom says obesity can lead to high blood pressure, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and possibly even certain types of cancers. According to the AOA, about 55% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. The health care costs for treating diseases caused by obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease, was over $100 billion in 1999 alone.

Medicare And Medicaid Next?
-----------------------------------------
Downey says the AOA is "working with some of the managed care associations and Medicare. We're going to be looking at Medicaid hopefully in the near future. We obviously want to see them provide better coverage." But Downey says the IRS and the insurance industry are two very different issues. The IRS is more cut-and-dry, and the questions associated with it are not as complex.

The IRS has to interpret obesity as a medical problem. Until it does, it is doubtful that tax relief will come. Even though medical deductions qualify after seven and a half percent of your adjusted gross income. If you were making $100,000 a year, you would have to have over $7,500 before you could deduct it. Most people don't.

Downey agrees "it's a very small category, but in our view, particularly for people who need bariatric [obese-specific] surgery, which is going to be $8,000 to $12,000, or so and frequently is not covered by insurance plans, that probably is the individual who is going to benefit from this change. Most middle class people would have to go to a lot of Weight Watchers meetings to get up to that level."

There has been a 40% increase in the number of obese people since 1980 and the incidence of obesity in children is rising. This is an issue that needs to be addressed.

You may reprint or publish this article free of charge as long as the bylines are included.

Original URL (The Web version of the article)
------------
losing weight: healthier wallet

About The Author
Michael Lewis has been collecting articles and information on Weight Loss and HGH (Human Growth Hormone and related health benefits. He has created and edits numerous web sites about this subject. Michael is a staff writer for losing weight: healthier wallet and several otherwebsites. If you would like to contact Michael you can e-mail him at losing weight: healthier wallet If you would like to know more about Weight Loss, HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and related health topics please visit us at losing weight: healthier wallet.

Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..

In The News:

Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.

Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.

A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.

The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.

Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.

Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.

If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.

Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.

The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.

Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.

Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.

The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.

The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.