Medical Cost of Obesity May Be as High as $147 Billion Annually
| Medical Cost of Obesity May Be As High as $147 Billion Annually
The health cost of obesity in the United States is as high as $147 billion annually, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and RTI International, one of the world's leading research groups.
The proportion of all annual medical costs that are due to obesity increased from 6.5 percent in 1998 to 9.1 percent in 2006, the study said. This total includes payment by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, and includes prescription drug spending. Overall, persons who are obese spent $1,429 (42 percent) more for medical care in 2006 than did normal weight people. These estimates were compiled using national data that compare medical expenses for normal weight and obese persons.
Recognizing the large health and economic burden of obesity, CDC has issued its first comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations to help communities tackle the problem of obesity through programs and policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity.
The strategies promote the availability of affordable healthy food and beverages, support healthy food and beverage choices, encourage breastfeeding, encourage physical activity or limit sedentary activity, support safe communities that support physical activity, and encourage communities to organize for change.
"It is critical that we take effective steps to contain and reduce the enormous burden of obesity on our nation", said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH. "These new recommendations and their proposed measurements are a powerful and practical tool to help state and local governments, school districts, and local partners take necessary action."
CDC partnered with the International City/County Management Association to pilot test an initial set of obesity prevention measures in 20 communities. The resulting 24 recommended strategies and suggested measures are now being pilot tested by Minnesota and Massachusetts state health departments in order to determine their success. The strategies include:
- Communities should support locating schools within easy walking distance of residential areas.
- Communities should improve availability of affordable healthier food and beverage choices.
The report, "Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States," along with a companion implementation guide, appears in CDC's MMWR Recommendations and Reports, available at www.cdc.gov/MMWR. To view the economic paper published in Health Affairs, visit: www.healthaffairs.org
Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [news release]. July 27, 2009. |
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