A study published in Obesity Research calculated that the cost of obesity - which includes only seriously overweight individuals - costs US taxpayers around $39 billion each year.
These costs are incurred by Medicare and Medicaid. The most money is spent by California. Current estimates are that a full 64% of all adults in the US are overweight. 33% qualify as obese.
Many physicians are calling for more proactive programs to help people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. I personally know many people who have gone from 'obese' to 'healthy' weights as a result of a low carb diet!
To be overweight, you have a body mass index (or BMI) of 25 or higher. To qualify for obese, your BMI is 30 or higher. If you do not know what your BMI is, use our online calculator below to figure that out.
Online BMI Calculator
CDC Says Obesity Top Health Threat
2% of Americans Now 100+ Pounds Overweight
Lisa Shea's Library of Low Carb Books