Obesity Costs - Study
Economic burden of obesity in youths aged
6 to 17 years: 1979-1999.
Obesity Costs Study - Aim
To examine the trend of obesity-associated diseases in youths and related
economic costs.
Obesity Costs Study - Methods
Using a multiyear data file of the National Hospital Discharge Survey,
1979-1999, we analyzed the changes in obesity-associated diseases and
economic costs in youths (6-17 years of age) over time. Diabetes, obesity,
sleep apnea, and gallbladder disease were examined to explore the trend
of the disease burden. Other obesity-associated diseases for which obesity
was listed as a secondary diagnosis were also analyzed. Obesity-associated
hospital costs were estimated from the discharges with obesity listed
as a principal or secondary diagnosis.
Obesity Costs Study - Results
From 1979-1981 to 1997-1999, the percentage of discharges with obesity-associated
diseases increased. The discharges of diabetes nearly doubled (from 1.43
percent to 2.36 percent), obesity and gallbladder diseases tripled (0.36
percent to 1.07 percent and 0.18 percent to 0.59 percent, respectively),
and sleep apnea increased fivefold (0.14 percent to 0.75 percent). Ninety-six
percent of discharges with a diagnosis of obesity listed obesity as a
secondary diagnosis. Asthma and some mental disorders were the most common
principal diagnoses when obesity was listed as a secondary diagnosis.
Obesity-associated annual hospital costs (based on 2001 constant US dollar
value) increased more than threefold; from $35 million (0.43 percent of
total hospital costs) during 1979-1981 to $127 million (1.70 percent of
total hospital costs) during 1997-1999.
Obesity Costs Study - Conclusions
Among all hospital discharges, the proportion of discharges with obesity-associated
diseases has increased dramatically in the past 20 years. This increase
has led to a significant growth in economic costs. These findings may
reflect the impact of increasing prevalence and severity of obesity. Diet
and physical activity interventions should be developed for weight loss
and prevention of weight gain in youths.
Source: Wang G, Dietz WH. Division of Nutrition
and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, CDC, Georgia, USA. 2002
Weight Loss & Obesity Reduction
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along with research into diet modification, types of gastrointestinal
weight loss surgery and weight loss drugs. At present, however, a balanced
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