Patient Well-being and the Clinical and Economic Burdens Associated With Obesity in the United States

Abstract

Obesity is a serious, progressive, chronic disease that is associated with a spectrum of complications and poor outcomes (eg, premature death, diminished quality of life) and is a risk factor for several other diseases. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. More recently, obesity was recognized as a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. When experienced concurrently with a serious disease, obesity may increase the risk of negative health outcomes. Furthermore, individuals with obesity are more likely to experience social stigma and discrimination at work and in educational and health care settings; these may impact mental and physical health and contribute to increased adiposity. In the United States, the economic burden of obesity is immense-according to estimates, hundreds of billions of dollars are spent annually on direct medical needs and lost productivity associated with obesity. More severe classes of obesity greatly impact both the health of individuals and health care expenditures. As obesity becomes more prevalent, policy makers, health care professionals, and payers must consider its clinical, social, and economic implications.