1 in 6 adults with obesity struggle affording health care
Obesity doesn’t just affect your health; it significantly impacts your financial wellbeing too. A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, sheds light on the hidden financial burdens and day-to-day stress associated with obesity.
Analyzing data from 2019-2023, which included nearly 150,000 adults across the United States, researchers discovered some alarming statistics:
Higher health care expenses: People with obesity spend over twice as much on health care compared with those at an average weight — about $1,487 annually versus $698.
Medical bill struggles: Nearly 17% of adults with obesity have difficulty managing medical bills, compared with about 8% of those at an average weight. These costs often stem from treating obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Cost-related medication issues: Around 10% of people with obesity report delaying or skipping medications due to high costs. This is notably higher than the approximately 6% seen among individuals at an average weight.
Increased food insecurity: People with obesity experience food insecurity more frequently — about 10% compared to 6% among other groups. This means facing challenges in consistently accessing affordable, nutritious food.
Takeaways
Obesity is a risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, which contribute significantly to overall health care spending. Addressing the obesity epidemic requires a multifaceted approach focused on prevention, treatment and reducing the impact of stigma. Improving access to affordable and effective obesity management services is crucial.
The findings in this study highlight the urgent need for better health care coverage for obesity treatments, affordable medication options and stronger support systems.
At our obesity medicine clinic, we understand these challenges and are dedicated to providing affordable, effective and personalized weight management solutions. We are in network for many big insurance providers (including Florida Medicaid and Florida Medicare) and also work as an out-of-network provider to help get you reimbursed. If you're worried about the financial strain of managing obesity, contact us today or schedule an appointment. We're here to help you take control of your health — and your finances.
