Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

A study published in the journal Health Affairs found that obesity related conditions cost the United States almost $147 billion a year, or 9 percent of total medical spending.

The most common obesity-related conditions include diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, hypertension, and cancer.

Although health reform may be necessary to address health inequities and rein in rising health spending, real savings are more likely to be achieved through reforms that reduce the prevalence of obesity and related risk factors, the study's authors reported.

Labels: costs_of_childhoood_obesity

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A new study conducted by RTI International out of North Carolina has found that obesity-related medical expenditures have doubled in less than ten years.

The results also showed that an obese person has $1,429 per year more medical costs, or about 42 percent more, than someone of normal weight. Costs for an obese Medicare recipient are even greater. (Source: The Milwaukee Business Journal)

In addition to the dramatic rise in medical costs, the report also noted that four states  Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia and Tennessee  have adult obesity rates above 30 percent, and that childhood obesity has tripled since 1980.

Labels: costs_of_childhoood_obesity, health_care

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New Yorkers may soon have to pay more for regular soda, but not diet varieties. Governor David Paterson is proposing a 15% sales tax on sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks in order to curb sales among children and to raise more money for a state strapped for cash.

The "obesity tax" has won the approval of experts in the field of childhood obesity.

"Raising the price of this liquid candy will put children and teens on a path to a healthier diet," said Elie Ward, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics in New York.

Those against the tax argue that there is no evidence the tax will curb sales of sugary soda, and that studies show that people who drink diet sodas may gain more weight than those who stick to the regular brands.

Labels: sodas, taxes, costs_of_childhoood_obesity

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The New York State's Comptroller's office has released a report stating that childhood obesity costs New York taxpayers more than $242 million a year. The office is turning to local schools for help, and the East Syracuse district is stepping up to the challenge.

"ES-M Superintendent Donna DeSiato says her district has incorporated healthier programs in a three-prong-process... The process includes an early curriculum, starting at pre-K, integrating more physical fitness in to the school day, and creating a healthier school lunch program."

The new lunch program includes swapping out whole milk for one-percent milk, and using whole-wheat products. Source: WSYR-TV Syracuse

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A study from the Brookings institute says that obesity costs the United States of America over $215 billion a year.

• The researchers included obscure costs such as money for increased fuel needed to transport overweight people on airplanes.
• They also included more obvious things like medical expenses, decreased productivity, and absenteeism from work.
• The study estimated that direct medical spending alone for obesity costs $86 billion to $147 billion a year.

Two out of three American adults are overweight or obese.

Labels: obesity_rates, costs_of_childhoood_obesity

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