How the Growing Obesity Crisis is Driving Up Healthcare Costs

Adults with obesity have 2.3 times higher healthcare expenses than those without obesity, according to a study by the Health Action Council (HAC) and UnitedHealthcare, where each organization collected data amongst its members across the country.

Obesity rates have spiked over the past few decades, displaying itself a significant crisis.

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It’s a chronic condition linked to over 250 health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and some cancers.

Obesity is also associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which can further increase medical costs.

As obesity rates continue to climb, researchers urge the importance of understanding its financial impact for policymakers, employers and healthcare providers.

The percentage of U.S. adults with obesity doubled from 1990 to 2021, reaching about 40%, according to the study. Three out of four adults in the U.S. are either overweight or obese, compared to 50% in 1990.

It was found that more than 35% of the population in 23 states is obese.

In addition, younger adults are seeing the highest increases in obesity rates, with a seven-percentage-point rise among 20- to 59-year-olds between 2010 and 2020.

The burden of obesity extends beyond its health effects.

For example, a 2024 report estimated that obesity-related healthcare costs could reach $9.1 trillion over the next decade. Those living with obesity would spend an extra $662 per year on healthcare.

According to HAC data, about 26% of HAC’s 224,000 members have obesity, yet they account for nearly half (46%) of total healthcare spending.

Monthly healthcare costs for people with obesity are $973 per person, compared to $421 for those without. If just 10% of HAC members avoided obesity, the group could save up to $30 million per year, the study found.

It’s suggested a 25% reduction in obesity among a company’s 5,000 employees could save up to $8.6 million annually.

Additionally, obesity raises the risk of developing chronic diseases, which increases medical costs.

Among HAC members with obesity, 61% have metabolic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

Adults in their 40s with obesity have three times higher rates of hypertension than those without obesity, data revealed. Adults in their 50s with obesity are 2.5 times more likely to have diabetes.

Other obesity-related conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, autoimmune diseases and certain cancers. Obese individuals are 80% more likely to suffer from back pain and arthritis.

Also, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis occur at more than double the rate in obese individuals, and certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer, are twice as common among those with obesity.

Researchers also predict that by 2030, nearly half (49%) of U.S. adults are expected to be obese. If this trend continues, employer-sponsored health plans could face an extra $500 million in costs per year.

It’s suggested that employers also rethink healthcare strategies as obesity drives chronic diseases in younger adults.

Millennials and Gen Z with obesity face diabetes and hypertension at rates similar to older adults. Obesity also doubles anxiety and depression rates in Gen Z, increasing healthcare costs and impacting workplace productivity, the study mentioned.

Efforts to reduce obesity can lead to significant healthcare savings. Employers and healthcare providers can take proactive steps, such as:

• Wellness Programs: Offering nutrition education, fitness programs and mental health support can help employees manage their weight.
• Access to Medications and Treatments: Expanding access to new weight-loss medications and lifestyle interventions can help prevent long-term health issues.
• Early Screening and Intervention: Encouraging routine screenings for obesity and related conditions can lead to earlier diagnoses and lower healthcare costs.