Obesity has become a growing concern in today’s society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. In the United States alone, two-thirds of adults are considered overweight or obese.

With obesity comes a host of health problems and increased risk of mortality. Let’s take a deeper look at the cost of extra weight on life expectancy.

The Health Risks of Obesity

There are numerous health risks associated with obesity. These risks include:.

Heart disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Cancer
Sleep apnea
Arthritis
Infertility

These health risks can lead to premature death, or a significantly decreased life expectancy. In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, obesity can decrease life expectancy by up to 14 years.

How Weight Affects Life Expectancy

Obesity not only increases the risk of various health problems, but it can also lead to premature death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 (considered obese) can increase the risk of premature death. A BMI of 30 or higher can also decrease life expectancy by up to 10 years.

Furthermore, carrying extra weight can put added strain on the body, which can lead to other health problems such as joint pain, back pain, and poor circulation. These health problems can also decrease life expectancy.

The Cost of Obesity on Society

The cost of obesity doesn’t just affect the individual, but it also affects society as a whole. According to a study published in Health Affairs, the cost of obesity in the United States was estimated to be $147 billion in 2008.

This cost is expected to rise to $344 billion by 2018.

These costs are due to various factors such as healthcare costs (treatment for obesity-related health problems), lost productivity (due to obesity-related absences from work), and disability (obesity-related health problems that cause individuals to be disabled).

The Importance of Addressing Obesity

With the growing prevalence of obesity and its cost on both individuals and society, it’s important to address this health concern. In order to address obesity, individuals need to take an active role in managing their weight.

This can include making healthy dietary choices, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, policymakers and healthcare providers can also play a role in addressing obesity.

Policies such as increased access to healthy foods and exercise facilities, education and awareness campaigns, and healthcare coverage for obesity-related treatment can all help address this concern.

Conclusion

Obesity is a growing concern in society due to its associated health risks and decreased life expectancy. Additionally, the cost of obesity on society is significant.

It’s important for individuals to take an active role in managing their weight, and for policymakers and healthcare providers to address this concern at a societal level. By working together, we can improve individual and societal health outcomes.