Calculating The Lifetime Cost Of Obesity

Being overweight can certainly have a negative impact on your health.

But what about the actual cost in dollars?

A study published in the journal Obesity suggests the actual cost of obesity

can include both medical care and lost earnings.
 
Using computer models, researchers determined that an obese 50 year old with normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels can cost more than $36,000 in medical expenses and lost productivity during his or her lifetime.
 
On a positive note, if a 20 year old lost enough weight to go from obese to overweight, two-thirds of the lifetime costs of obesity could be saved. Likewise, if a healthy but obese 70 year old achieved similar weight loss, the lifetime cost would be cut by about 40%.