Researchers from Australia’s University of Sydney School of Public Health analyzed physician visits, medical tests, diagnostics, medicines, hospital admissions and emergency room visits for 350 children. They found the obese children much more likely to be admitted to the hospital, particularly for respiratory and ear, nose, mouth and throat issues.
“We know that children who are obese in early childhood are more likely to be obese in later childhood, adolescence and adulthood, which can lead to serious chronic diseases that have a huge impact on our healthcare system. Early prevention of obesity is important to improve children’s health, but there are also likely to be immediate savings in healthcare costs,” lead researcher Alison Hayes, PhD, associate professor of health economics at the University of Sydney, said in a statement.
More articles on finance:
CMS releases OPPS proposed rule for 2017: 12 things to know
Oregon Health Authority report lifts veil on hospitals’ reimbursement rates: 5 findings
NY lawmakers revise safety-net hospitals’ reimbursement rates
