Given that the gluttony of Thanksgiving has just ended, I think it is fitting to address the obesity epidemic in America and its financial impact on our economy.
67% of Americans are Overweight
In 2008, the obesity rate for the United States was 31.3% – the highest in the world by far with the nearest competitor being Mexico at 24.2%. Obesity is defined by a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more, which generally equates to being 30 or more pounds overweight. By 2018 it is estimated that 42.8% of the US population will be obese and that extra weight will cost the economy $344 billion. Obesity related health conditions will make up 21% of total health care spending in 2018, or $1,425 per person every year. This is a statistic that America does not want to be leading in.
Happy Thanksgiving. Looks like we all need to go on a run.
