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In all 50 states, at least 20% of the population now has obesity, according to The Milken Institute report, “Weighing Down America” that shows in detail the threat of obesity on rising rates of disease, our health care system, and our economy.
Among the report are the facts that:
- Finds total cost of Americans’ obesity equals to 8.2 % of U.S. GDP
- Obesity costs our nation’s collective well-being and prosperity $1.4 trillion annually
- Obesity and excess weight is an expanding health problem for more than 60% of Americans
These are just a few of the findings from the report. Unfortunately, many health conditions are caused by obesity including cancer, type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, hypertension, congestive heart failure, asthma, Alzheimers and more.
Cost is also a factor when looking at obesity. According to the report, direct costs for the U.S. for medical treatment for health conditions causally related to obesity totaled $427.8 billion dollars, type 2 diabetes having the highest treatment costs at $111.9 billion in 2014.
In fact, direct medical expenses of treating conditions caused by obesity represented 13.9% of health-care spending in the United States in 2014.
Indirect costs adding to a total of$988.8 billion in 2014, include lost work time or lower productivity also contributes to an unhealthy economy.
The good news is that there are ways that this public health challenge can best be addressed.
Some of the solutions outlined in the report look to gathering all professions to work together in a long-term commitment to advocating for healthier body weights.
The report also encourages all employers to invest in providing financial or other incentives to help employees lose weight and encourages the federal government to raise awareness through anti-obesity campaigns.
To read the full report, click here.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
