Obesity

Obesity continues to be a national health problem, linked to a number of chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, and even to some types of cancer. The estimated annual health care costs of obesity-related illness are a staggering $190.2 billion or nearly 21% of annual medical spending in the United States. Childhood obesity alone is responsible for $14 billion in direct medical costs. Obesity has risen a full 34% since 1960, while morbid obesity is up sixfold. If the prevalence continues on the current trend, it is estimated that by 2030 almost half of the world ’s population will be overweight or obese.
Source: Orthopedic Clinics of North America - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Preface Source Type: research