Obesity and Risks
Obesity is defined as 30% over ideal body weight or Body mass index over 30. Morbid Obesity is Body mass index over 40 or over 35 with comorbidities.
The following obesity grades are defined and based on the calculation of BMI.
Obesity Trends
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In 1990, 10 to 14% of the population in United States was obese. |
By 2002, the majority of the states had obesity rates between 20 and 24%. |
 By 2000, the number of morbidly obese quadrupled when compared to 1983. |
National Burden of Obesity
Total medical cost for Obesity in 2003 was $75 billion.
9.1% of annual medical spending was for overweight and obese patients.
BMI of 30 to 40 (56 million Americans)
- Had healthcare costs of 36% greater than normal weight individuals.
- Had pharmacy costs of 77% greater than normal-weight individuals.
Health Ramifications of Obesity
Morbid obesity increases the risk for several life threatening medical conditions called "Co-morbidities" and also shortens life span. Please follow the above link to see the list of comorbidities.
Death rate
Every year 300,000 deaths are reported in the USA directly related to Obesity. This is approximately at the rate of 5-6% of the morbidly obese population every year!!
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Every year, 4 out of 100 morbidly obese individuals die because of obesity related health issues. |
Life expectancy of a 20-year-old morbidly obese male is 13 years shorter than a normal weight male of the same age. |
 Morbidly obese individuals are 17 times more likely to develop cancer and 7 times more likely to develop diabetes |
