As obesity in the U.S. continues to rise, so do the economic impacts. In addition to the numerous health risks associated with obesity, it also has significant effects on healthcare costs and productivity, according to a recent report from Brookings.
These costs affect obese people on an individual level, and also impose costs on society as a whole. According to the report, on average, the per person, lifetime societal costs are $92,235 greater for an obese person, as of 2013. Using this estimate, if the 12.7 million U.S. obese youths grow up to become obese adults, the costs to society over the course of their lifetime could exceed $1.1 trillion.
Additionally, increased costs of obesity are not offset by the relationship between obesity and higher mortality. According to the report, focusing on obesity-related mortality may obscure issues related to increased morbidity.