Many patients with a BMI of 40 or higher have one or more of the following obesity-related conditions:
Depression
Diabetes — type II
Gall bladder disease
Heart disease
High blood lipids
Hypertension
Osteoarthritis
Pulmonary conditions
Sleep apnea
According to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, nearly two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight, and 30.5 percent are obese.
Approximately 300,000 deaths each year in the United States may be attributable to obesity.
The United States is the undisputed leader in obesity prevalence, with an estimated 97 million overweight or obese adults in this country alone. The numbers have skyrocketed in the past 20 years.
In 2000, 31% of adult Americans — nearly 59 million — were obese, as defined by having a body mass index of 30 or above.
One of the national health objectives for the year 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among adults to less than 15%. Research indicates that the problem is worsening rather than improving.
Medical expenses attributable to overweight and obese patients totaled $78.5 billion in 1998 — about half of that amount was paid by Medicare and Medicaid.
Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services.
The causes of obesity fall into two general categories — genetics and environment. The current epidemic is a combination of the two.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
