The Correlation Between Money and Obesity
Obesity is Expensive
There is a parallel to finances and obesity. Obesity costs a lot of money. More than 60% of American people were overweight or obese, as of 2009. Saving money, reducing debt, getting in shape, and losing weight make the 10 most popular New Year's Resolutions list every year. People that make New Year's resolutions usually make the same year after year, and money and weight are always on the lists.
Some people choose to follow their New Year's resolution by joining the local gym. Faithful to attend regularly through January and maybe February, then life gets in the way and attendance drops off drastically. Soon, going to the gym becomes secondary to other activities. For the rest of the year a nagging guilt sets in for having spent the money on the gym, or equipment, and not following through.
Obesity Costs
A study, "A Heavy Burden, The Individual Costs of Being Overweight and Obese in the United States" by The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, published September 21, 2010, found that overall costs of obesity are $4,879 for obese women and $2,646 for obese men. The report breaks obesity expenses for men and women into the following categories:
• Medical costs
• Absenteeism costs
• Work productivity costs
• Short-term disability
• Disability pension insurance
• Premature mortality
• Worker's compensation
• Personal costs
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC warns of the obesity problems of America and the costs associated with it. There are maps and statistics on this site with statistics from 1985 through 2009. Most interesting is a 'by-state' looking at obesity, as well as a 'by race' statistic. Blacks have 51 percent higher prevalence of obesity and Hispanics have 21 percent higher obesity prevalence as compared with whites.
Summary of Recommendations by the CDC
A 128-page booklet is available from the CDC on the recommendations of losing weight, maintaining weight loss, and other solutions, including medication or surgery. The PDF file can be downloaded or viewed from their site. (1.25 MB)
Overeaters Anonymous Solutions
Overeaters Anonymous is a program of recovery for compulsive overeaters, using 'Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Not just about weight loss, weight gain, weight maintenance, obesity, or diets, OA addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery issues for the overeater.
Overeaters Anonymous is not a religious organization and does not promote a particular diet. The OA site has information available, booklets to order, and CD's of information on their organization.
Obesity awareness and the money it costs individuals and the U.S. Government has been a topic of news and discussions for some time. Personal responsibility is necessary for Americans to combat this growing problem in our society. Each individual must do their part for themselves and their families. The government can no more legislate health than they can legislate morality.
More from this contributor:
Baking Bread - Depression Era Tip for Saving Money
Finding Free Tax Preparation for the Elderly and Military
Staff Meetings: Are They Really Necessary?
Published by Beverly Bright
Beverly worked in Architectural drafting/design for 40 years (industrial/commercial) and owned her own business for 17 years. Retired, loving life in the country! Beverly enjoys learning, research, and has... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentInteresting article....being heavy can be costly...but for some eating is their only joy in life and looking for happiness is important and at the top of most lists Very good article points that need brought to our attention good job....Laura Everly
I agree with Mike. Unfortunately fast food is inexpensive when healthier food options are more expensive which, in part, is the problem. Lack of nutritional education is also a factor and of course, taste. Fatty and processed foods taste so darn good! ;-) You make excellent points about obesity costing more money with regard to health care.
I thought from the title that this article would talk about how their is an INVERSE relationship between having money and being obese, at least in the US. This is because the cheapest food is the least healthy and causes weight gain. Also I think richer people tend to stay more active.
The general obesity of Americans costs all of us.