Obesity in The United States

Last month I wrote an article about obesity as a public good (not as a good thing) [link]. In it I talked about how increasing obesity rates are adding significant costs not just for the present, but for America's future.

Yesterday, CNBC published an article that showed that in a recent Gallup poll, 26% of American adults are classified as obese. The overal health-care costs associated with obesity are estimated at $147 billion a year. The measure of obesity is based on the body mass index (BMI), in which a person is classified as obese if they have a score of 30 or higher. Obese people have higher chances of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, some cancers, and other related issues.

The article examined metropolitan areas in the U.S. and was designed to offer better understanding of the perspective of cities affected by obesity. Of the top 10 metro areas with the highest obesity rates, 58% of the residents were more likely to report having a heart attack over the course of their lifetimes, and 34% more likely to report having high blood pressure. Those alone, are estimated to cost over $1 billion in medical costs each year.

Here are the top five cities with the highest obesities rates:

5. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
- Obesity Rate: 33.8%
- Annual Costs: $182.8 million

4. Rockford, Illinois
- Obesity Rate: 35.5%
- Annual Costs: $179.4 million

3. Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia
- Obesity Rate: 36%
- Annual Costs: $146.9 million

2. Binghamton, New York
- Obesity Rate: 37.6%
- Annual Costs: $131.5 million

1. McAllen - Edinburg - Mission, Texas
- Obesity Rate: 38.8%
- Annual Costs: $410.9 million

These costs are staggering. I know from personal experience, weight is easy to gain, but with just slight changes in diet and increased exercise that weight can come off as well. When we look at the static choices of eating unhealthy foods, we really need to consider the dynamic affects of eating unhealthy food. But, let's also understand that while this seems simple, know that for some in this country as the economy as been in recovery mode, affordable healthy options have been limited. Its just one example of the externalities of a changing economy and culture in the United States.

Sources:
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/americas-fattest-cities.html