Obesity has hidden costs, including mental, physical, social, and economic consequences. Health complications, higher medical costs, missed opportunities, and reduced productivity are societal costs. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, sleep apnea, arthritis, and reproductive problems.
The hidden costs of obesity have mental, physical, social and social consequences. Higher medical costs, missed opportunities, and various other economic problems are characteristic societal costs of obesity. Health complications including heart disease, cancer, sleep apnea and arthritis are the hidden costs on an individual level.
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. The calculation is a numerical representation of the amount of body fat carried by a person, represented by their height and weight. Calculations of a BMI greater than 30 leave individuals at risk for a myriad of health and social consequences.
Rising medical costs are just one result of the ever-increasing incidence of obesity around the world. It just costs more to care for those who are obese. Frequent trips to the doctor for illnesses, disease complications, and other physical and mental ailments such as depression contribute to straining the healthcare system.
In addition to the increased medical costs of obesity, obese individuals may experience a reduced availability of opportunities, directly or indirectly imposed by society. There is a great likelihood that an obese person could be overlooked for a new job or promotion. Other missed opportunities include reduced chances of obtaining a college degree, being overlooked in social situations, and being ignored in public due to negative social stigmas.
The economic costs of obesity are detrimental to employers and taxpayers. Employers lose money every time a person loses their job, resulting in decreased productivity. Lost days of work occur more frequently among obese individuals. Unfortunately, with the number of obese individuals on the rise, companies are unable to offer incentives with real staying power. In the long run, payers are paid out of the health bill when obese individuals become eligible for Medicare in the United States, or require frequent doctor visits or extended hospital stays under other government-run health programs.
On an individual level, obesity can lead to serious complications and heart conditions. Unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, lead to an increased chance of arterial blockages and heart disease in obese individuals. Increased risks of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels contribute to the possibility of heart damage.
Cancer and reproductive problems are some of the additional costs of obesity. Specifically, cancers related to the breast, colon and endometrium are prevalent in obese individuals. The risk of developing liver and gallbladder disease also increases in those who are designated as obese. Other possible problems related to obesity include infertility, abnormal menstruation and type II diabetes.
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