In the early 1960s, the number of obese Americans was less than 14 percent of the population. However, the percentage of obese Americans since then has tripled. The percentage of obese Americans in 2000 was 30.5 percent and 42.4 percent in 2018. Childhood obesity is also becoming more prevalent, with the latest figures from the CDC stating 13.7 million children and adolescents are obese.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of over 30. It means your body weight, in proportion to your height, is more than it should be. Despite data and health warnings on the well-known health risks associated with obesity, the number of obese Americans continues to grow. It’s an epidemic and a public health crisis.
Here’s why obesity should be of concern to you.
Obesity Is Linked To Many Health Conditions
Obese individuals have an increased risk of developing cancers of the breast, liver, pancreas, colon, and thyroid. Cancers are not the only health risk for obese people, many other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD), are also very common. Many obese people have high blood pressure, experience joint pain, suffer from sleep apnea, and are at an increased risk of stroke. An estimated 75 percent of osteoarthritis cases and 64 percent type 2 diabetes cases can be attributed to obesity. All in all, the quality of life of an obese individual is greatly diminished as a result of the condition. Obese individuals are less likely to live active lives and often must make accommodations to the activities they participate in for their size, limited functionality, and symptoms.
Greater Cost To Individuals and The Government
Obese individuals often overlook the added cost of the condition. Not only does it cost more to maintain the unhealthy weight gain through food consumption, medications and treatments for related health conditions often cost a fortune. Pain, digestive problems, and a slew of other symptoms require obese patients to seek medication and treatment help. All in all, obesity-related medical care costs are much higher than those of non-obese individuals.
The obesity epidemic is costing the government US health care system $480.7 billion annually, as more than half of medical care costs are financed by Medicaid and Medicare. While cigarette smoking has declined overall, the gains made by a reduction of US healthcare costs to smoking-related illnesses are being offset by the spending on obesity-related conditions. It is also compounded by an astounding $1.24 trillion in lost productivity.
Weight Loss Program in Denton and Frisco, Texas
If you are struggling with maintaining a healthy weight, seeking medical help means you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier life and better well-being. At Star Medical Associates, our team can conduct a thorough evaluation of your health and determine your ideal weight according to your age, height, body type, and lifestyle. Our goal is to help you make better and healthier choices and incorporate new habits into your lifestyle that will eventually become lifelong habits.
To schedule a consultation with us, call Star Medical Associates at (940) 382-6900 in Denton, Texas, or (469) 301-2300 in Frisco, or book an appointment online now.
