The Obesity Epidemic

According to the Department of Health & Human Services, the majority of Americans are overweight or obese, and obesity is America's #1 health problem. The problem is spreading like an epidemic, and obesity rates are getting worse every year. The map below shows the percentage of the U.S. population that is overweight or obese by state over the past 19 years.¹

Obese individuals have 30 to 50% more chronic medical problems than those who smoke or drink heavily. They have increased risks for type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, several types of cancer, gallbladder disease, and other ailments. The effects of obesity are similar to 20 years of aging!²

As obesity is a major trigger for health problems, it is also a significant catalyst for increased healthcare costs for businesses. Corporations are spending exorbitant sums of money each year to pay for medical claims and lost productivity related to the disease, and the costs continue to grow. Obesity is often the leading health care cost driver for America's corporations, and the problem is getting worse year over year.³

	Direct Costs
	Health Insurance	$8,000,000,000
	Paid Sick Leave	$2,400,000,000
	Life Insurance	$1,800,000,000
	Disability Insurance	$1,000,000,000
	Lost Productivity
	Lost Work Days	$39,000,000
	Restricted Activity Days	$239,000,000
	Bed Days	$90,000,000
	Physician Visits	$63,000,000

Through the right combination of financial incentives, education, and community-building among employee populations, Tangerine can help corporations tackle this serious problem.

Next : Obesity Statistics

1. Center for Disease Control
2. Rand Corporation
3. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services