Obesity has become a pressing global public health concern, with prevalence rates among adults doubling in the last three decades. In the United States, in particular, the financial burden of obesity is staggering. According to a study in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, American adults with obesity experienced higher annual medical care costs by $2,505 or 100% compared to those with a healthy weight. These costs are driven by increased spending in every category of care, namely inpatient, outpatient, and prescription drugs.
Despite this alarming figure, the prospect of weight loss can often seem daunting, with many people fearing the high costs associated with gym memberships, specialized diets, and weight loss programs. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Armed with the right strategies, the cost of shedding pounds is a much lighter financial burden compared to the long-term financial and health consequences of obesity.
The Cost Of Overweight and Obesity
In the study cited above, researchers noted that medical care costs increase depending on the class of obesity. This is because there’s a difference between obese and overweight, as well as in the three classes of obesity. Being overweight refers to having a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.99 while suffering from obesity indicates a higher degree of adiposity and is typically defined by a BMI of 30 or more. Although both conditions pose health risks, obesity carries a greater risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
In terms of the different classes of obesity, class 1 is defined as having a BMI of 30 to <35, class 2 means having a BMI of 35 to <40, and class 3 means having a BMI of 40 or higher. The higher the class, the greater the chance for most individuals to experience obesity-related complications and, therefore, face higher healthcare costs. More specifically, relative to those with a healthy weight, the average additional expenditures due to obesity can rise from $1,713 (a 68.4% increase) for class 1 obesity to $3,005 for class 2 obesity (a 120.0% increase) to $5,850 (a 233.6% increase) for class 3 obesity.
For many individuals struggling with obesity, the perceived financial barriers to weight loss can deter them from seeking help or taking proactive steps to improve their health. But the reality is that the longer obesity goes untreated, the greater the financial burden becomes.
How You Can Lose Weight Affordably
Practice mindful eating
Contrary to popular belief, weight loss doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most effective strategies for shedding pounds are also the most affordable. Simple lifestyle changes, such as being more mindful eating, can yield significant results. In one review of 10 studies, mindful eating was found to be as effective for weight loss as conventional diet programs. To do this, try eating slowly and without distraction. Eating more slowly gives your brain time to realize that your stomach is full, which the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states may take at least 15 minutes.
Replace juice with tea
Paired with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, research suggests that drinking tea can help you lose weight. Green tea, in particular, such as sencha, gyokuro, tencha, and matcha, contains bioactive substances like caffeine and EGCG, which can have powerful effects on metabolism. Green tea also prevents the breakdown of the chemical in the body that signals to the brain that we’re full.
Make movement a habit
Incorporating regular physical activity into daily life doesn’t have to be expensive. Taking advantage of local parks and trails or simply walking around the neighborhood can provide opportunities for physical activities without any cost. Additionally, you can trick your body into doing more exercise by taking stairs, for example, or parking further away from establishments to get extra steps in.
Ultimately, the cost of inaction far outweighs the investment in preventive measures and weight loss interventions. By utilizing affordable strategies and prioritizing long-term health, individuals can take control of their weight and mitigate the health and financial costs of obesity.