9781422288450

makes them feel better about themselves. In other words, dieting is no longer the exception; it’s become the norm. Add to that $40 billion the other $147 billion in medical-related costs, and Americans are spending approximately $187 billion a year on their weight issues. And Americans who are obese are spending $1,850 more each year than Americans that are a healthy weight and BMI. “Obesity has become a crucial health problem for our nation,” says Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. “Of course the ulti- mate cost can’t be measured in dollars . . . the ultimate cost to Americans is in chronic disease and early death.” According to an article in USA Today , people who are classified as extremely obese (80 pounds or more over a normal weight) live anywhere from three to twelve years less than their counterparts of "normal" weight. Adults who are obese and smoke can live up to 21 years less than people of "normal" weight who don't smoke. (Each year about 300,000 Americans die prematurely of obesity-related conditions, and 443,000 die of tobacco- related conditions!) The obvious conclusion is that being obese significantly shortens life expectancy, not to mention quality of life. One report claims that the effects of obesity are like aging twenty years. Obese adults aren’t the only ones who have their lives cut short.

96 / Health Issues Caused by Obesity