Obesity: A Rising Economic Concern

Abstract: Obesity can no longer be contained as a health issue but is an economic phenomenon that can no longer be ignored. The increasing prevalence of obesity indicates an important public health crisis. According to the most recent Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, adult obesity rates now exceed 35% in 7 states, up from 5 states in 2016 and 25% in 48 states. Besides excess health expenditure, obesity also imposes an economic cost, costs in the form of lost productivity and foregone economic growth. Therefore, addressing the obesity epidemic remains crucial for ensuring the health of the nation. My paper throws light on this issue.

Key words: obesity; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS); economic cost

JEL codes: I20, I140