|
The Problem
Obesity now threatens to overtake tobacco as America’s #1 preventable cause of death. The Department of Health & Human Services has shown that obesity is spreading its distribution and severity over time, like a systemic virus or epidemic.
We now recognize obesity as a major health care problem, as obese individuals have increased risks for Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, gallbladder disease, and other chronic diseases. In fact, these effects on the body are estimated to be equivalent to 20 years of aging.
The personal cost of obesity translates into a corporate cost as well. As obesity is a major trigger for health problems, it is also a significant catalyst for increased healthcare costs for businesses. Corporations are spending exorbitant sums of money each year to pay for medical claims and lost productivity related to the disease, and the costs continue to grow. Obesity is often the leading health care cost driver for American corporations, and the problem is getting worse every year.
Indirect Costs of Obesity
Direct Costs of Obesity
|
