What is the cost of obesity?

Our nation and the world are facing the problem of obesity and associated health-related concerns in epidemic proportions. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest projections indicate that globally in 2005, approximately 1.6 billion adults (age 15+) were overweight and at least 400 million adults were obese. The WHO further projects that by 2015, approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and more than 700 million will be obese. 

The economic costs of obesity are enormous:

• Obesity and overweight conditions contribute as much as $93 billion to the  U.S. annual medical costs.

• The total cost of obesity to U.S. companies is estimated at 39 million lost work days and that translates into an estimated more than $13 billion per year.

• 239 million days where work activity is restricted, 90 million sick days or days in bed and 63 million visits to physicians.

• Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of American adults and 25% of American children do not get enough physical activity to improve their health.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that because physical inactivity is a risk factor for many diseases and conditions, making physical activity an integral part of daily life is crucial. Now is the time is for all of us to take action and become active bodies to fight inactivity and eliminate obesity and associated diseases.

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