The cost of obesity is staggering, both for individuals and for society as a whole. While you may worry about the costs of weight loss surgery, the reality is that doing nothing can cost you much more.
What makes obesity so financially costly is complex – the direct and indirect costs on the individual and the cost of obesity on the healthcare system as a whole must both be taken into consideration.
Let’s address some of the individual and societal costs of obesity in the United States, including the economic cost of childhood obesity, and discuss how weight loss surgery can be a cost-effective solution.
The Cost of Obesity on Individuals
The individual costs of obesity are numerous and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Obesity is a major risk factor in many health conditions and can contribute to obesity related diseases, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In addition, obesity can also lead to other health problems such as sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and fatty liver disease. The cost of treating these obesity-related health conditions can be high and is a significant contributor to the overall cost of obesity. These conditions not only decrease an individual’s life expectancy but also increase the likelihood of hospitalization and result in high medical costs.
Additionally, individuals who are obese often face indirect costs like discrimination in the workplace. These indirect costs, while unfair, can make life more difficult and be a financial burden.
The Cost of Obesity in America
The societal and economic costs of obesity are equally staggering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity costs the US healthcare system nearly $173 billion a year. The high cost of obesity in the US shows itself in more subtle ways as well, like lost productivity due to obesity-related illnesses and absenteeism.
The economic impact of obesity affects us all because taxpayers often bear the burden, as a significant portion of healthcare costs are financed through public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.
The Cost of Obesity on Children
The economic cost of childhood obesity is also significant.
Children who are obese are at a higher risk of developing obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, which can have long-term consequences on their health and productivity. Additionally, the cost of treating childhood obesity can be high, with estimates suggesting that it costs $14 billion annually in the United States.
The long-term impact of childhood obesity on economic growth and productivity is also a concern. Children who are obese are more likely to be absent from school, which can lead to poor academic performance and decreased productivity in adulthood.
The Low Relative Cost of Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can be a cost-effective solution for individuals who are struggling with obesity.
Bariatric surgery has been shown to be effective in achieving significant and long-lasting weight loss, which can lead to a reduction in obesity-related health risks and healthcare utilization. Additionally, studies have shown that the cost of weight loss surgery is outweighed by the cost savings achieved through decreased healthcare utilization and increased productivity. Bariatric surgery can also lead to improvements in quality of life, including increased physical activity and improved mental health.
Studies have shown that people who have bariatric surgery can expect to lose an average of 50-70% of their excess weight.
The Long Term Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
The costs of obesity are significant and can have a major impact on an individual’s quality of life, society, and taxpayers. The economic cost of childhood obesity is also a concern, with long-term consequences on economic growth and productivity.
Weight loss surgery can be a cost-effective solution that can help you maintain a healthy weight and enjoy long-term benefits like lower risk of illness, higher productivity, lower insurance premiums, and less medical expenditure.
We encourage individuals who are ready to take a step towards a healthier life to contact us today. Remember – the cost of doing nothing is much higher than maintaining the status quo.