Designates the month of September as "National Obesity Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 1 co-sponsor

Designates September as National Obesity Awareness Month in New Jersey and urges the Governor to issue annual proclamations promoting awareness and healthy living.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee

#commemoratio #health

Basic information

Bill number: SJR 155

Title: Designates the month of September as "National Obesity Awareness Month" in New Jersey

Status: Introduced in the Senate; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee

Introduced: March 3, 2025

Classification: Joint resolution

Subject: Commemoration, Health

Related bill: AJR 111 (companion)

Purpose and intent

SJR 155 designates the month of September each year as “National Obesity Awareness Month” in New Jersey. The resolution seeks to raise awareness about obesity as a national epidemic, highlight its health and economic impacts, and encourage the adoption of healthy living habits to reduce obesity rates in New Jersey and across the United States.

Key provisions

Designation: September is designated as National Obesity Awareness Month in New Jersey to promote awareness of obesity and its health and societal impacts.

Governor’s proclamation: The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation urging public officials and New Jersey residents to observe National Obesity Awareness Month with appropriate activities and programs.

Effective date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Context and rationale (as stated in the bill)

Obesity is described as a national epidemic with significant health risks, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

The bill cites rising obesity rates in New Jersey (25.6% of adults) and historic increases from 12.3% (1995) to 17.0% (2000) to 25.6% (2015 reference point), projecting that about 48.3% of New Jersey adults could be obese by 2030 if trends continue.

It notes substantial national obesity-related costs (e.g., $147 billion annually in the U.S. as of 2008) and higher medical costs for individuals with obesity.

Who/what is affected

Residents of New Jersey: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities and adopt healthier habits.

Public officials and government agencies: Encouraged by the Governor’s annual proclamation to promote programs and activities during September.

Public health and community organizations: Potentially involved in awareness events and programs during National Obesity Awareness Month.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was introduced on March 3, 2025, and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee for consideration.

There is no appropriation or funding provision in the text; the measure principally requests proclamations and awareness activities.

The companion bill is AJR 111.

Potential impact

Aligns state-level recognition with national obesity awareness efforts.

May stimulate public awareness campaigns, health promotion programs, and partnerships during September.

No mandatory spending or program mandates are included; impact depends on voluntary participation and governor/proclamation actions.

Bill