The Cost of Growing Obesity Rates: Dr. Nick Nicholson Discusses the Economic Impact of the Growing Obesity Epidemic
Dallas, TX – Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affects four out of every 10 Americans. Unfortunately, this epidemic has caused an increase in medical costs and other expenses associated with obesity. To combat this growing problem, Dr. Nick Nicholson of Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery provides insight into how we can address the financial impact of obesity.
“Obesity is a serious health concern that affects millions of Americans each year,” said Dr. Nick Nicholson. “It can lead to several health-related issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, which can significantly increase medical costs. In addition to health-related costs, obesity can also have a negative impact on an individual’s quality of life due to decreased mobility or social stigma associated with being overweight.”
Researchers assessed both the direct and indirect costs of obesity, including the healthcare costs of 28 obesity-related illnesses, lost economic productivity, and premature death. The report estimated that the economic impact of obesity could reach $4.32 trillion annually by 2035 if current trends continue, an increase from $1.96 trillion in 2020. This is equivalent to around 3% of global GDP — or as much as a year of economic growth — and the same impact that COVID-19 had in 2020. In the United States alone, this could mean an annual cost on its GDP reaching 4% by 2035, up from 3.5% in 2020. However, a separate study from the Milken Institute suggested that that cost may already be much greater, having reached 9.3% of annual GDP or $1.72 trillion in 2016. Researchers also estimate that individuals who are obese spend an average of $1,429 more per year on medical costs than those at a healthy weight. These costs can be even higher if an individual has additional health complications due to their weight such as diabetes or heart disease.
“Obesity is one of those issues that affects us all — not just those who struggle with their weight — but it’s often overlooked when discussing our nation’s health crisis,” said Dr. Nick Nicholson with Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery in Dallas Texas. “The economic impact of this issue cannot be overstated: it takes a toll on healthcare systems around the world and can lead to lost productivity due to illness and premature death.”
Dr. Nicholson continued: “It’s important to remember that obesity is not only preventable but also treatable through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise as well as medical interventions like weight loss surgery.” He added: “At Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss surgery, we strive to provide comprehensive care for those struggling with their weight so they can lead healthier lives.”
The Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery offers several options for individuals looking to take control of their health and reduce their risk for obesity-related diseases. Dr. Nicholson specializes in bariatric surgery procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass which have proven effective at helping patients lose weight quickly and safely while reducing their risk for other diseases associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. He also provides comprehensive pre-and post-operative care and partners with experts to offer nutritional counseling, bariatric exercise coaching and psychological support services designed to help patients make long-term lifestyle changes that will support successful weight loss outcomes after surgery.
Dr. Nicholson concluded “Obesity is becoming a major public health issue in our country and it’s costing us billions of dollars each year. We need to act now to address this problem before it gets any worse.”
For more information about how you can reduce your risk for obesity-related illnesses or learn more about how you can benefit from weight loss surgery contact Dr. Nick Nicholson at Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery at https://nicholsontx1.wpenginepowered.com/pages/contact-us.
About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, LAP-BAND, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
