Fat-O-Nomics

How a Healthy Diet Can Improve Your Bottom Line

Research reveals Americans can fatten their wallets in a tough economy by shrinking their waistlines.

America's big fat problem? Obesity. According to published reports, obesity and obesity-related conditions result in at least $62.7 million in doctors' visits and $39.3 million in lost workdays every year. What's more, obese and overweight employees cost companies an estimated $45 billion a year in medical coverage and loss of productivity. All told, the annual cost of obesity in the United States adds up to $122.9 billion.

As shocking as these statistics are, it's hard to get your arms around them. So Gold's Gym (where I do Body Pump and Body Flow every week) commissioned researchers to calculate the cost of obesity -- more than 30 pounds overweight -- for the typical American. Here's what they found:

What Obesity Costs You:

The median U.S. salary is $48,451

Obese men and women earn, on average, $3.41 per hour less than other Americans, which means $7,093 less income across the course of one calendar year.
$48,451 - $7,093 = 41,358

The typical American travels by airplane 2.5 times a year at an average cost of $331 per flight, and obese people often have to pay for an extra seat on these flights. Obese travel tax: $828.
$41,358 - $828 = $40,530

Americans spend 4% of their annual income on clothing each year, but obese people pay an extra 25% for their clothes. Obese clothing surcharge: $485
$40,530 - $485 = $40,045

Obese Americans lose, on average, one-half day of work due to obesity-related ailments. Total lost wages: $93.
$40,045 - $93 = $39,952

Obese people visit the doctor once per year strictly for obesity-related ailments: Co-pay: $15
$39,952 - $15 = $39,937

Obese people carrying 50 extra pounds burn 9 extra gallons of gas per year. Fat gas tax: $36.
$39,937 - $36 = $39,901

The numbers don't lie.

But what can you do to avoid being an obesity statistic? Bust your vices! Vice Busting helps you create a healthier lifestyle that will help you lose weight and build healthy muscle mass. This, combined with a healthy diet, is the best way to avoid weight gain and the significant costs associated with obesity.

Sources: NIH; The 2008 Conference Board study; Obesity Research Journal; National Bureau of Economic Research; FAA; Dept. of Transportation; Bureau of Labor Statistics; National Health Interview Survey; Edmonds.com, Gold's Gym.com.