IRS says certain weight-loss costs can be deducted

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that obesity itself is a disease, meaning all Americans deemed obese by their doctor can now deduct certain costs for weight-loss programs as a medical expense.

USA Today, April 3, 2002

http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20020403/3993106s.htm

[nightingale, RN]

too much... heh some more motivation!

B.

[Mijourney]

Hi Karen. Do you have any idea how many taxpayers with htn and diabetes file for deductions on their income tax? I wonder about whether privacy should be a concern with this type of program? Wouldn't it also be a good idea if employers would allow health insurance premium reductions for those who keep their weight within the prescription of their physician? I know that some plans offer discounts for nonsmokers. What about those who keep their weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure under control? This should manifest itself in less use of prescription drugs and less visits to the doctor for symptoms.