The researchers said previous studies have underestimated the medical costs of obesity, as those studies reported the difference between the medical expenses of heavier and lighter people. “For example, I could have injured my back at work, and that may have led me to gain weight. The injury could have led to a lot of healthcare costs that are due to my back, not my obesity,” one author said.
The Cornell researchers’ study found that an obese person incurs medical costs that are $2,741 higher (in 2005 dollars) than if they were not obese. This indicates nationwide healthcare costs of $190.2 billion per year or 20.6 percent of national health expenditures. Previous estimates had pegged the cost of obesity at $85.7 billion or 9.1 percent of national health expenditures.
The authors concluded this research makes a stronger case for government intervention to prevent obesity.
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