Submitted by: Bryan Holekamp

Recent trends in obesity rates affect our culture more than people realize. Obesity is no longer just a health issue. It has become social and political issues as well. Causes, effects, and treatments for obesity have been documented in medical journals for the last 2,500 years. Why have we not eliminated it yet?

The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in the past few decades. In the United States, the percentage of the population with a BMI over 30 has jumped from 14.5% in 1971 to 30.9% in 2000 and is projected to reach 50% by 2030. While most people recognize the dangers inherent with excessive body weight, few realize the societal impact from an economic and cultural perspective. Obesity can lead to other problems, such as disadvantages in business and increased employment costs. These effects impact not only individuals and families, but also corporations, communities, and governments.

In the United States, the annual medical cost associated with obesity is estimated to be $200 billion or 21.5% of all medical expenditures. The estimate for the annual expenditures on diet products is between $50 and $100 billion. Obesity prevention programs can reduce the cost of treating obesity-related diseases. In addition, these programs help improve patients lifespans. However, researchers conclude that the longer lifespans require additional medical costs that offset any reduction in overall health spending.

Obesity has been linked to social stigmatization and disadvantages in employment. Obese workers on average have higher rate of absenteeism and take more disability leave than their normal weight counterparts. One study showed that individuals with a BMI exceeding 40 were twice as likely to file a worker s compensation claim as people with a normal BMI (18.5 – 24.9). In addition, these overweight workers had 12 times as many lost-work days, with the most common injuries in the lower extremities, wrists, and backs. These trends have led some insurance companies to propose higher premiums to workers with high BMIs.

Other studies show that obese people are less likely to be hired for a job or be promoted. On average, obese people tend to be paid slightly less than their normal-weight counterparts (3 – 6%); although, this discrepancy could easily result from other factors. Specific industries, however, do have legitimate concerns. Due to the increasing rates of obesity, airlines face higher fuel costs and an increasing demand for wider seats. In 2000, airlines estimated that the extra weight of obese passengers costs them $275 million. Faced with obese patients, the healthcare industry has had to invest in additional capital, such as special lifting equipment and bariatric ambulances. Certain restaurants have seen their costs increase in response to litigation accusing them of causing obesity.

While businesses and governments worldwide adapt to fatter customers and citizens, individuals are still recommended to lose weight. A normal weight is not only beneficial to your health, but it can also make life more enjoyable. Plus, a normal weight does not have the economic costs or the lingering stigmas that obesity has. Therefore, grab an apple, a walking stick, and your determination to lead a healthy lifestyle for a better future.

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