The cost of health care expenses related to obesity has more than doubled over the last decade. In fact, according to the research of government sponsored programs, health care costs for obesity are expected to exceed $140 billion dollars a year.

Complications of one’s health are directly correlated to a person’s body mass index (BMI). BMI is the ratio of a person’s weight in kilos to the square of their height in meters. An individual is considered to be overweight if their BMI exceeds 25, and once their BMI reaches 30 they are classified as being obese.

Between 1998 and 2006, the number of obese people in the United States increased by 37%, and this rate is only increasing. Furthermore, studies have shown that obesity is taking over smoking as America’s number one killer. Being overweight not only is attributed to a lack of productivity, but a person’s health is at greater risk. Health conditions associated with obesity include hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer.

The excess of medical bills created by obesity are attributed to the treatment of diseases that obesity promotes. Obesity is responsible for almost 13% of private insurance expenditures, and 12% of Medicaid expenditures. People must realize that driving down the cost of health care is not an issue solely confined on Capitol Hill, but one that can be remedied in our very own homes. By changing unhealthy habits and lifestyles you will undoubtedly contribute to a greater saving in health care than the government will ever be able to.