Obesity epidemic in the U.S. is 10% of health spending

Widespread obesity in the U.S. now accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the nation's collective health care spending. Treatments are pegged at $147 billion.

America has been grappling with rising obesity rates as an alarming national health concern, but as both chambers of congress and the White House work through the details of a potential government-sponsored health care plan the collective cost of treating obesity is equally alarming. According to a study published in the journal Health Affairs, medical spending for obese patients averages $1,400 more than spending for patients who maintain normal weight. "Overall obesity-related health spending reaches $147 billion, double what it was nearly a decade ago," the Associated Press reported on Monday. The study reflects the medical investments made in treating diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments that are attributed to being overweight. It was conducted by the non-profit research group RTI International. "RTI health economist Eric Finkelstein offers a blunt message for lawmakers trying to revamp the health care system: 'Unless you address obesity, you're never going to address rising health care costs,'" AP reported.