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Review
. 2016 Mar;43(1):83-95, viii-ix.
doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2015.08.013. Epub 2016 Jan 12.

Economic Impact of Obesity

Elena A Spieker  1 , Natasha Pyzocha  2
Affiliations
Review

Economic Impact of Obesity

Elena A Spieker et al. Prim Care. 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Parallel to rising obesity rates is an increase in costs associated with excess weight. Estimates of future direct (medical) and indirect (nonmedical) costs related to obesity suggest rising expenditures that will impose a significant economic burden to individuals and society as a whole. This article reviews research on direct and indirect medical costs and future economic trends associated with obesity and associated comorbidities. Cost disparities associated with subsets of the population experiencing higher than average rates of obesity are explored. Finally, potential solutions with the highest estimated impact are offered, and future directions are proposed.

Keywords: Burden; Cost; Economic cost; Economic impact; Obesity; Prevention; Primary care; United States.

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