...Obesity and Health Care Costs Renee Gordon HRM 599 – Benefits Keller Graduate School of Management Review The article “Moderate and Severe Obesity Have Differences in Health Care Costs” was published in the journal Obesity Research. The article analyzes the health care usage and costs associated with varying degrees of obesity of a 2002 study of a focus group of individuals 54 to 69 years old. Health care costs have been steadily increasing over the last few years. Not coincidentally, obesity has also been on the rise, and has helped contribute to the rising costs of health care. Obesity levels are based on a person’s BMI rating. The ratings are: “Normal weight: 18.5 < BMI < 25 Overweight: 25 < BMI < 30 Moderate Obesity: 30 < BMI < 35 Severe Obesity: 35 < BMI < 40 Extreme Obesity: BMI > 40” (Tatiana Andreyeva, 2004) The article provided some interesting statistics on the rate of increase of health care costs compared with the different levels of obesity. The study was broken down between men and women, and provided different statistics for each group. It was found that in men, health care costs increased the most between moderate and severe obesity, with costs coming in at $4738 for moderately obese men and $6179 for severely obese men. That is a $1441 increase between the two classifications. For women, the largest increase in cost came between severe and extreme obesity. The cost associated with the two classes was $5723 for...
Words: 680 - Pages: 3
...HEALTH RISKS & COSTS The Effects Of Obesity, Smoking, And Drinking On Medical Problems And Costs Obesity outranks both smoking and drinking in its deleterious effects on health and health costs. by Roland Sturm ABSTRACT: This paper compares the effects of obesity, overweight, smoking, and problem drinking on health care use and health status based on national survey data. Obesity has roughly the same association with chronic health conditions as does twenty years’ aging; this greatly exceeds the associations of smoking or problem drinking. Utilization effects mirrors the health effects. Obesity is associated with a 36 percent increase in inpatient and outpatient spending and a 77 percent increase in medications, compared with a 21 percent increase in inpatient and outpatient spending and a 28 percent increase in medications for current smokers and smaller effects for problem drinkers. Nevertheless, the latter two groups have received more consistent attention in recent decades in clinical practice and public health policy. M a n y b e h a v i o r a l r i s k f a c t o r s , chief among them smoking, heavy drinking, and obesity, are known causes of chronic health conditions. Chronic health conditions, like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, in turn are primary drivers of health care spending, disability, and death. This paper compares the associations of smoking, problem drinking, and obesity with health care use and chronic conditions....
Words: 3786 - Pages: 16
...Demographic Paper Axia College of University of Phoenix Health Care Consumer - Trends and Marketing HCS/490 Russell Wettstein August 14, 2011 Demographic Paper The targeted population that will be explored in this paper is childhood obesity in the United States focusing on children aged between two through17. The surgeon general has labeled child obesity in America as an epidemic supported by statistics that in the last 30 years childhood obesity has tripled. The two primary factors identified by physicians and experts in creating childhood obesity, are first that children are not receiving enough exercise daily and not eating the right kinds of foods. The combination of sedentary lifestyle’s and fast-food diets have created a whole generation of children faced with serious adult health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. In this paper the subject to describe child obesity and its general impact that changing demographics may have on the health care market. Also the paper will tackle many questions involving this issue such as why and how will changes in the demographics of this population affect health care. Identify two key health care-related challenges to this population, such as increases in health care costs, increases in prescription drug costs, or the need for in-home medical care. Describe how a chronic disease wellness program may affect the costs for this demographic, what do the demographics tell about the marketing...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
...A major health care issue affecting the world today will be the prevalence of overweight and obesity, even in nations that are considered to have low incidences like Japan and China. (Runge, 2007). It is linked to a collection of expensive and incapacitating health outcomes. Studies have shown that two out of three American grown adults are now overweight, and also, one out of are three obese. Health risks linked with obesity are not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure, asthma, osteoarthritis, and liver disease, which almost 80 percent of obese adults are plagued with. (Hammond, 2012). These diseases carry high prices socially and economically. Medical costs for the obese people is assessed to be 36 to 100 percent higher than those without weight challenge, that is healthy weight individuals. Results by some studies indicates, that approximately 21 percent of all medical spending is obesity related, increased rates of disability and reduced productivity also comes as a result of obesity. (Hammond, 2012) Obesity is also linked to almost 400,000 deaths per year in the United States. (Gabel, et al. 2009) Early prevention can yield significant savings from the health care stand point. A 5 percent reduction in the occurrence of diabetes and hypertension would save almost $25 billion a year in health care costs. (Hammond, 2012). Obesity constitute both public health issues and economic problems in various ways it also induces social and...
Words: 912 - Pages: 4
...Application of Epidemiology to Obesity Your Name Dr. Donna Levesque Managerial Epidemiology – HSA 535 Strayer University Assignment 5 June 06, 2012 Abstract This report identifies, analyzes and explains the obesity problem in the United States compared to other countries. It outlines factors and reasoning as to why the obesity rate in the United States is higher than other countries. These report further address points of health care cost, political issues, and proposed policies and laws related to obesity concerns in the United States and in the State of North Carolina. Further strategic efforts toward the prevention of obesity with government support and individual dedication will considerably reduce health care cost, chronic diseases, and the high mortality rates associated with obesity and prolong the overall life expectancy of the country’s population. Key Words: Obesity, Cost, Policy, Rate, Cause Application of Epidemiology to Obesity Over the past decades the U. S. population has experienced a drastic change in their dietary habits and physical activity patterns. These changes have worsened over the years. Their consumption of nutritional food and drinks and their desire to participate in regular activity has declined dramatically. The results of this trend have caused a rise in the obesity rates, chronic disease cases, and health care costs. Sadly but true, the American people are dying at an alarming rate as the result of their...
Words: 2519 - Pages: 11
...Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 w w w.americanprogress.org Confronting America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic How the Health Care Reform Law Will Help Prevent and Reduce Obesity Ellen-Marie Whelan, Lesley Russell, and Sonia Sekhar May 2010 Contents 1 Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity 3 Introduction and summary 6 Provisions included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that address childhood obesity 6 Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project 7 Nutrition labeling 7 Community Transformation Grants 9 Broader measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to tackle childhood obesity 9 Prevention and public health 15 Primary care and coordination 18 Community-based Care 20 Maternal and child health 22 Research: Doing what works in obesity prevention 23 Data provisions that will help with tracking and providing improved outcomes to measure obesity prevention 25 What else is needed? 27 Beyond health care 29 Conclusion 30 Appendix: The White House Childhood Obesity Initiative 32 Endnotes 34 About the authors Fast Facts on Childhood Obesity Our nation’s children today are on track to have a lower life expectancy than their parents The obesity epidemic poses serious health problems for children including cardiovascular disease, mental health problems, bone and joint...
Words: 14941 - Pages: 60
...Health Campaign Part II Kathy Dodd HCS/535 August 5, 2013 Sheela Hirao Health Campaign Part II Obesity in the United States is at an all-time high. According to a study from 2009-2010, 35.7% of the population is obese (Ogdan, Carroll, & Kit, 2012). Obesity has been associated with a variety of diseases and has a high mortality and morbidly rate among every population in the world. One of the Healthy People 2020 initiatives is to reduce the number of obese Americans. The Surgeon General estimates that 300,000 deaths a year in the United States alone, can be linked to obesity ("Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences", 2013). Often seen as a social issue, obesity is very much a medical condition and community members should consult their physician before beginning any weight loss or exercise program. There are several diseases and illnesses that can be connected to obesity. These include, but are not limited to: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems, arthritis, and birth defects among children born to women who are obese. Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death, responsible for one of every three deaths per year, nationwide (Swartz, 2013). In order to help communities achieve the Healthy People 2020 goals, there are multiple local, state and federal agencies offering free or relatively affordable programs. As a community, we must assist our citizens achieve a healthy weight and activity level. Obesity is a national epidemic...
Words: 1996 - Pages: 8
...Obesity in America Tamaneka Brown HCS/535 June 10, 2013 Sally Kohls Obesity in America Obesity in America is a growing health care issue and concern among health care officials. Today’s family setting and society in general is so fast pace that individuals find fast and easy ways to of getting a bit to eat. Poor eating habits and little to no physical activity are just a few contributors to the prevalence of obesity. Obesity affects individuals of all ethnical backgrounds, both male and female, and individuals of all ages. It is time that this nation takes control of creating a healthier America by encouraging healthy habits and lifestyles. An individual having a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight and obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher (Flegal, Carroll, Ogden, & Curtin, 2010 ). BMI measures the amount of body fat that a person has in comparison to their age and height. A person begins to gain weight when their calorie intake is more than their physical activity (CDC, 2012). Lack of exercise and poor dieting are known causes of obesity, but the lack of sleep and exposure to air conditioning are also thought to be contributing factors (Causes of obesity, 2006). Other suggested factors that may contribute to the rising rates of obesity are endocrine disruptors, smoking, and certain pharmaceuticals (Causes of...
Words: 1545 - Pages: 7
...Obesity Demographic Paper Obesity Demographic Paper Obesity is becoming a major worldwide epidemic that is a chronic disease which affects everyone young and old, male and female alike. The exact cause is still unknown and scientists are still trying to understand what triggers it. One cause is that in today’s fast paced world, people do not have time to sit down to home cooked meals, or exercise and really take good care of themselves. Fast food restaurants are replacing the home cooked meals and providing bigger portions on their menus and people not finding time to exercise. Instead, they choose to sit down and watch movies at home or surf the net as a source of entertainment due to economic reasons. Children are playing video games instead of playing sports or riding bikes (Obesity in America: What’s driving the epidemic?, 2012. 02). This is becoming a harmful trend which is contributing to the rise of chronic diseases. Obesity does not discriminate and studies over the years have found that there is a significant difference in obesity by ethnicity and race and it differs by sex and age. Obesity is a major contributor of heart disease, cancer, liver and gallbladder diseases, sleep apnea and respiratory issues, depression, infertility, erectile dysfunction and mental health conditions (Jacobson, 2000). In the past 20 years, obesity has risen in the United States and continues to rise with more than 35.7 % of the adults and 17% of children between the ages of 2-19...
Words: 1209 - Pages: 5
...Health Campaign Part II HCS/535 January 14, 2013 DR. Michelle Clemons Health Campaign Part l of this paper examined obesity as a public health issues that faces the state of Atlanta. Further, the paper dwelt on the importance of addressing this public health issues because it has an impact on the lives of the people at the community, state, and national levels. Providers believe that environmental and community factors contribute to unhealthy habits, less physical activity, which poses a major risk for chronic health conditions. The following are chronic health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, high cholesterol, asthma, dyspnea and depression. These health consequences can lead to premature death and chronic health conditions, which reduces the quality of life. In the Atlanta area, obesity has increased over the past 10 years in which affects an individual life. Health care organizations have established health objectives to reduce the prevalence of obesity among individuals in America. Description of the target population Obesity occurs when there is an abnormal amount of fat (adipose tissue) accumulated around the body, caused when people eat in excess of their energy requirements (Lawrence, 2005). According to National Heart and Lung Institute (2010) “the terms overweight and obesity refer to a person’s overall body weight and whether it’s too high” (What are overweight and obesity, para. 1). An individual is overweight...
Words: 2149 - Pages: 9
...Obesity in America Rough Draft Jeremy Stewart ENG 122 English Composition II Instructor: Jennifer Chagala October 02, 2014 Obesity in America It is a shame that more people die in the United States from eating too much food, while in other countries people die from not having enough. Obesity is a rising health epidemic across the nation, and it is a duel responsibility of the government as well as society to do all that they can, starting in the individual home to encourage healthy eating in order to reverse this development and preserve the next generation. Obesity has officially become an epidemic in America. It is debatably one the most noticed public health problems that America faces today. In 2009,...
Words: 1506 - Pages: 7
...Health Care Spending 1 Health Care Spending Chandra Williams HCS/440 October 6, 2014 Dawn Chiabotti Health Care Spending 2 National Health Care Spending The United States of America offers some of the best health care services in the world! Our citizens have so many options for medical care and specialty services, sometimes we forget how truly lucky we are to have such an abundance of health services so readily available to us. On average every American visits the doctor (checkup, hospital stay or emergency services) 4 times per year, with some people (in their 20’s and 30’s) go less often and some people (infants and elderly) go much more frequently (Graham, 2008). Because of this tremendous need of health care for every American the National health care spending amount is quite high and continues to grow. Current Level of National Healthcare Spending In 2011 the National healthcare spending was about 2.7 trillion dollars, or broken down about $8,650 per person (McCanne M.D., 2011). These statistics take into account hospital stays, specialty visits, infant well child checkups, etc. Even more astonishing is that this report projected that if the United States continues to spend money on health care this way that by 2020 the National health care spending will almost double being roughly 4.6 trillion, which breaks down to be $13,700 per...
Words: 1329 - Pages: 6
...Disease Trends and the Delivery of Health Care Services HCA 240 June 16, 2013 * * * This document will discuss how demographics disease trends affect the delivery of healthcare. Starting with current age composition of the United States population and how future changes will occur in the next 10 to 20 years. Next will be identifiable factors that support environmental and changing demographic trends. Providing examples of relevant diseases and how the aging trend will increase or decrease health issues and how to reduce health complications because of age. The current rate of obesity will be discussed and how it will change in the next 10 to 20 years. This paper will identify environmental and changing demographics related to the obesity trend; including examples of diseases related to this health issue. Explaining how this trend may increase or decrease health issues and how to reduce health complications. Last this document will discuss the future and how healthcare services will adapt to provide care for these trends and age-related health issues. * The current age composition of the United States population is based on two measures, estimates of the past and projections supported by assumptions on future demographic trends. Estimates gather information on existing data from several sources; whereas, projections assume what the future demographic trends will be. The current United States population is the world’s third largest population of over...
Words: 1798 - Pages: 8
... The impacts of healthcare delivery systems biggest issues are the aging and obesity. We need to understand how these can impact our lives and what we can do to address them now before they become a bigger issue in the future. Many of the Americans from the baby boomer era are becoming retired and will add to the future endeavors of the working class with many of our government programs being affected. The second contributor is obesity. Since this can go in hand with the aging these are the main reasons we need to look at our delivery systems. Aging The median age of the world's population is increasing because of a decline in fertility and a 20-year increase in the average life span during the second half of the 20th century. These factors, combined with elevated fertility in many countries during the 2 decades after World War II (i.e., the "Baby Boom"), will result in increased numbers of persons aged >65 years during 2010--2030. Worldwide, the average life span is expected to extend another 10 years by 2050. The growing number of older adults increases demands on the public health system and on medical and social services. Chronic diseases, which affect older adults disproportionately, contribute to disability, diminish quality of life, and increased health- and long-term--care costs. Increased life expectancy reflects, in part, the success of public health interventions, but public health programs must now respond to the challenges created by this achievement, including...
Words: 2933 - Pages: 12
...Effects Of Obesity On Healthcare March 24, 2013 University of Phoenix In a world where obesity is becoming an epidemic, people should be informed about prevention, and on how to boost the quality of their life. Obesity is increasing at alarming rates and affects over two-thirds of the American population. While media and entertainment are obsessed with thinness, we should be more concerned with the larger problem of obesity. There are great risks involved in being obese. Obesity is taking it’s toll on many people. It is about time somebody stepped up and proved to these suffering humans that there is help available, and there are people who care and are willing to help with this problem. Obesity currently affects over two – thirds of the population. (www.acsh.org ) Americans are paying less attention to what they are eating, and paying more attention to the costs of foods. Obesity rates have been steadily increasing over the past twenty five years. This is partly due to the rising costs of eating healthy. ( www.acsh.org) “Families get fatter as they buy cheaper and less healthy foods in order to try to fill up”. (Emily Openchowski, May 21, 2012) Obesity has been known to shorten life spans by six to seven years depending upon it's severity. ( www.acsh.org/publications/obesity-and-its-health-effects) Of...
Words: 1517 - Pages: 7
