What is the real cost of obesity?
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Obese persons spend $1,429 more on annual medical costs than persons of normal weight, according to a news release provided by the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC examined payments made by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers, and prescription drug spending to determine that the obese population pays 42% more than the average American who is normal sized or simply overweight.
Obesity is defined as being 20% above normal body weight. Approximately 72 million Americans, or one third of the adult population is considered obese. Reuters news service reported in January that “for the first time the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight according to government statistics.”
With yesterday’s report, the Centers for Disease Control issued recommendations to promote nutritious eating, exercise and weight management. Suggestions for healthy living and more information about the report are available at the CDC website.
