The costs of obesity Higher health care costs: Annual medical expenditures in the U.S.are 36%higher for obese people than thinner people. Reduced life expectancy: A 40-year-old white male with BMI 35 has a life expectancy three years shorter than one with BMI 24. Increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes,and hypertension. Reduced physical mobility and function ·Lower wages Social stigma Crucial question:are these public or private costs? Bhattacharya,Hyde and Tu-HealthEconomicsBhattacharya, Hyde and Tu – Health Economics The costs of obesity • Higher health care costs: • Annual medical expenditures in the U.S. are 36% higher for obese people than thinner people. • Reduced life expectancy: • A 40-year-old white male with BMI 35 has a life expectancy three years shorter than one with BMI 24. • Increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. • Reduced physical mobility and function • Lower wages • Social stigma • Crucial question: are these public or private costs?