A recent study estimates that 75% of adults and 24% of children and teens will be overweight or obese in 2015. The specific projection for obesity in 2015 is 41% (obesity is considered a BMI over 30-39.9 or roughly 30 or more pounds overweight). Those are staggering numbers with huge implications for an already failing health care system since obesity is associated with increased risks in heart disease, diabetes and general poor health and increased mortality. Even being overweight can lead to many of the same issues.

So, what can we do? I’m not a big government kind of guy, but as long as the government has a role in health care (and I’m not necessarily saying it should), it also has a stake in helping to keep those costs down. However, the main solutions must come from private individuals and businesses. I especially think businesses need to realize the value in helping their employees stay healthy. I’m thinking in terms of less sickness, better performance, lower overall health care costs, etc. I also think insurance companies should shift the financial burden to obese people, smokers, etc. while reducing the burden for those who are healthy, fit, etc. I’m not suggesting this to be mean spirited, but to be fair. I also think that paying more for insurance will help those who are unhealthy have an incentive to get healthier and businesses which will also pay more for those employees will want to help too.

For more of my postings on this topic, see my health category