I ran across an article in Forbes magazine this week that I found shocking. Obesity is a growing problem in this country and has a huge impact both on our health care system and our economy. It effects more than just our health care expenses. Here are some statistics to think about.
2/3 of Americans are considered overweight(Have a BMI over 25)
35.7 % of Americans are considered obese(Have BMI over 30)
The estimated indirect cost of obesity in the US is $450,000,000,000 per Year
YES THAT IS $450 BILLION DOLLARS per YEAR!
Obesity Related Medical Care: $160,000,000,000 per Year
Obesity Related Energy Expenses of $20,000,000 per Year
(We use almost 1-Billion extra gallons of gasoline per year in America because of our increase in weight)
Obesity Related Absenteeism, Decreased Productivity, Short Term Disability: $130,000,000,000 per Year
Incremental Food Cost, Clothing Costs, Weight Loss Costs another $140,000,000,000 per Year
Yearly Added Average Expense Obese Male: $2,646
Yearly Added Average Expense Obese Female: $4,879
To me these expenses are staggering!
Bottom line is each and everyone of us has an opportunity to positively impact our own health and our own economic situation by just committing to lose weight and become healthier.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/bethhoffman/2012/08/16/what-the-obesity-epidemic-costs-us-infographic/
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