Obesity, Economics and my Two Cents

If you’re not aware, you’ve been under a rock for some time now, but our country has a huge problem with obesity.  Finally, someone has put an economic figure on that problem.  From an article featured in Men’s Health magazine, we learn that the most recent studies show that 1 in 6 dollars spent on healthcare is rooted in obesity.  Further discussions on this topic can be found in an article from USA Today.  In summary, most recent studies conclude that obesity costs us an average of almost $2,800 annually in medical bills.

Well, that sucks.  At least in my opinion it does.  That’s a ridiculous amount of money to spend each year because of an overweight lifestyle.  I can think of a number  of ways to spend that money in a better way that can help each of us put that money to better use and also mitigate obesity-related health problem.  Let’s assume we’re in Chicago, where I live.

In a given year, a novice runner/gym rat will go through 3 pairs of good running shoes.  Let’s assume they’re each $100.  That’s $300 right there.  Let’s also say that you’re starting with nothing to work out in.  I’ll be generous and set aside $500 for some good workout clothing; tech shirts, shorts, long sleeves, sports bras for girls, etc.  That should be good enough for now.  We’re down to $2000 left from a $2800 ‘budget.’  Let’s say you join Equinox, a high end gym here, and skip out on the initiation fee.  $100/month.  So now we’re down to $800 left from our ‘budget.’  I’ll be the first to admit that it costs a bit more to eat healthy foods than it does to eat the processed foods that have made our country overweight.  Let’s make it simple and use the rest to buy healthier options in our diets.  Here’s an easy breakdown

Running shoes - $300

Workout clothes - $500

Gym membership - $1,200

Healthier food - $800

TOTAL - $2,800

So, rather than spend that money on healthcare to maintain an obese lifestyle, spend it in a way that helps you mitigate that lifestyle.  As always, hit me on here, @ me on Twitter or whatever you like, to voice your thoughts and opinions.  These are just my thoughts and opinions, nothing scientific about it.

Michael

Michael


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