It's common knowledge that the U.S. is one of the fattest nations in the world, so it shouldn't be surprising that obesity and its associated health problems have a significant economic impact on the U.S. health care system. Obese adults were associated with over half of the growth in health care spending between 2001 and 2006 (from $166.7 billion to $303.1 billion--an 82% increase). In fact, according to recent study by the Conference Board, obese employees cost U.S. private employers an estimated $45 billion annually in medical expenditures and work loss.
Take a look at state level obesity trends for 2008:
- In 2008, Colorado was the only state to have an obesity rate of less than 20%.
- 32 states had an obesity rate equal to or greater than 25%.
- 6 states (Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had an obesity rate greater than or equal to 30%.
Based on data collected between 1970 - 2004, if Americans don't take control of this obesity epidemic, total healthcare costs attributable to being obese or overweight will double every decade to $860.7 – $956.9 billion by 2030, accounting for 16 – 18% of total U.S. healthcare costs.
It's obvious that America needs to lose some weight, but It's extremely important to note that losing weight through fad diets is not a long-term solution to weight problems. If you don't lose the weight in a healthy way then it's just going to come back to haunt you in the long run.
I hate to repeat what doctors across the nation have been saying for years, but the only healthy way to lose weight is through diet and exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reccommends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking) every week for adults to stay healthy. If you are not used to regular exercise, start small. Take a walk around the block and work your way up from there. The important thing is that you stay active and healthy in order to avoid expensive obesity-related medical bills later in life.
--Lauren
Good article, Lauren -- I'd like to add to your suggestions that exercising with other people can make activities especially fun (pick up soccer or volleyball or ultimate frisbee, or even tennis are great forms of exercise).
In the spirit of being active, this summer I’ve been trying to do things in healthier ways so last week I grabbed an exercise ball from the gym in my office building and have been using it as a desk chair. Our ergonomist says that it’s not the greatest for prolonged use, but that an hour or so a day is good. I end up bouncing on it (because it’s fun) and wake up the next morning feeling like I’ve done an ab workout. I’d love to hear any other suggestions for incorporating more active things into boring activities.
Happy Friday!
Hey Jessica, thanks for your comment! You are 100% right, it's always more fun when you have other people to play sports or exercise with. Here at brass, we kick a soccer ball around for about 15 minutes a day during the afternoon to get some exercise and to get our creative juices flowing. Good idea about the exercise ball, I might have to try it sometime!
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