The High Cost of Rising Obesity

Recently, the CDC released updated statistics regarding obesity's prevalence throughout the United States. According to the center's 2011 survey, over a third of the American population is obese, or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The results show that obesity has increased dramatically throughout the country. None of the states succeeded in lowering their obesity prevalence to 15%, which was the goal set by the CDC. In fact, many of the states increased their obesity prevalence to over 30%. These 12 states were noticeably concentrated in the South.  In Kentucky, for example, 30.4% of adults are obese, thus causing the bluegrass state to rank as the ninth most obese state (tying with Texas).

The high prevalence of obesity is concerning because of the health problems associated with the condition. Obesity has been proven to lead to certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes. Obesity poses financial dangers because of these health problems. In 2008, obese people had medical costs that were $1,429 higher than non-obese people. Because of all the medical issues and costs associated with obesity, obese persons face higher insurance rates during their lifetime.

Financial costs are arising in other parts of daily life, too. Some airlines have obese passengers purchase fair for two seats when traveling. Obese workers also face job discrimination. They are less likely to be hired for some positions, or may be forced to take undesirable positions that pay less. One study found that obese women are paid 6.2% less, and obese men earn 2.3% less.

The financial costs of obese are troubling because obesity does not affect the population equally. For example, women of lower income are more likely to be obese than their high-income peers. The "obesity penalty" takes a more significant toll on these low-income women because they already earn less. With the current difficult job market and slowed economy, obese workers face greater challenges making ends meet.

When planning for your financial future, you should focus on more than just money. Your health has an impact on your financial success and your ability to reach your goals. Therefore, you may had want to create long-term life plans in addition to their financial plans. A holistic life plan, which would encompass health and wellness considerations along with the financial ones, will allow all aspects of your life to be balanced.

Readers, what do you think?

Do you think it is easy to control your lifetime weight is you plan ahead?

Why do you think it costs less to prevent obesity than to treat it?

References

Adult obesity facts.(2012, August 13). Overweight and Obesity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 22, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html.

Cadrain, D. (2011, November 11). Boss says 'you're too fat'. AARP. Retrieved August 22, 2012, from http://www.aarp.org/work/on-the-job/info-11-2011/weight-discrimination-in-workplace.html.

Hill, S.C. (2009, November 9). "What airlines are charging for obese people?" Livestrong. Retrieved August 23, 2012, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/32373-airlines-charging-obese-people/.