The cost of treating obesity-related illnesses doubled in the past decade, from $74 billion in 1998 to $147 billion last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC report, medical costs are 42 percent higher for obese Americans than for those of normal weight, and account for 9.1 percent of overall U.S. medical spending.
Other study findings:
The average American is about 23 pounds overweight.
The average American consumes about 250 calories more a day now than two decades ago.
The prevalence of obesity rose by 37 percent from 1998 to 2008.
CDC Director Thomas Frieden suggested that measures used to control tobacco consumption, such as tax increases, could be useful in addressing obesity as well.
See CDC news release.
According to the CDC report, medical costs are 42 percent higher for obese Americans than for those of normal weight, and account for 9.1 percent of overall U.S. medical spending.
Other study findings:
The average American is about 23 pounds overweight.
The average American consumes about 250 calories more a day now than two decades ago.
The prevalence of obesity rose by 37 percent from 1998 to 2008.
CDC Director Thomas Frieden suggested that measures used to control tobacco consumption, such as tax increases, could be useful in addressing obesity as well.
See CDC news release.
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