Obesity: Growing Costs, Growing Waistlines, Growing Epidemic
Thursday, July 9th, 2009Within the past year, adult obesity rates rose in 23 percents with no declines reported in the country, in a recent report by the health advocacy organization Trust for America’s Health. The epidemic continues to grow as waistlines and costs do the same.
The report, F is for Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2009, noted that individuals ages 55 to 64, otherwise known as baby boomers, had the highest rate of obesity. In return, Medicare and Medicaid costs are also likely to increase because of the high rate.
Just as fast as waistlines are growing, so are costs. It’s estimated that obesity-related health care costs hit nearly $117 billion every year.
Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. Those with a BMI of 40 or higher may be eligible for bariatric surgery procedures, such as LAP-BAND®.
According to the report, Arizona has 33rd highest adult obesity rate at 24.8 percent, and has the 26th highest obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) rate with 30.6 percent. Although LAP-BAND® surgery is most recommended for adults ages 18 to 55, teens with extremely high BMIs may be eligible for surgery, if health risks are especially life-threatening.
States, however, are taking measures to prevent this growing epidemic. Nineteen states now implement nutritional standards for school meals, while twenty-seven have nutritional standards for a la carte, vending machine, school store, and school bake sales.
The report recommends taking action for more affordable, nutritious foods, public health education programs, and encouraging physical activity. The organization also aims to ensure that adults and children have medical coverage relating to nutrition and obesity.
Obesity has not only become a national, but a worldwide, epidemic. With weight loss methods like LAP-BAND® surgery, individuals who were once obese have been able to adapt lighter and healthier lifestyles.
