More than 1/3 of adults in the United States are considered obese. This staggering number has led to a number of studies regarding obesity and the effects it has on society. The studies found that in middle aged individuals, obesity is a risk factor for predicting future nursing home admission.

In order to understand the huge threat that obesity poses to our nation, we must understand who in the United States is obese and what effects obesity has on our health.

Obesity in Children 

According to the CDC, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. These staggering statistics spell trouble considering the effects of obesity on children.

Children today are much less active than they were 30 years ago. Computers, cell phones, televisions, gaming systems, and other technological advances are keeping children inside. Some kids would rather play with tech devices than playing outside. Pair this new trend with the colossal explosion in fast food across America and it creates a deadly combination.

Ensuring children do not become overweight or obese is crucial. Short term effects of childhood obesity include an increased risk of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, both risk factors for heart disease. Overweight or obese children are also at a higher risk of prediabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and poor self-esteem.

Childhood obesity doesn’t end when childhood ends. It continues into adult life. Overweight or obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, leading to more severe health consequences.

Adult Obesity

As you get older, it becomes harder to lose weight for a variety of reasons. Slowed metabolism and reduced muscle mass are just a couple of them. This means that it is very important to prevent weight gain in your adult years, because it won’t be nearly as easy to lose as it was in your teens.

Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These maladies are some of the leading causes of death in the United States. That information alone indicates that obesity can cause some extremely severe, sometimes fatal, side effects.

The medical conditions that accompany obesity are not cheap. In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion. The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

Obesity and Long Term Care

Because obesity results in more disease and therefore, higher health care costs, it seems like a natural progression that more obese people are hospitalized than people of normal weight. Older obese adults are more likely to report fair to poor health as compared to those of normal weight.

Obesity often limits mobility and in older people, can limit the ability perform certain daily tasks. A recent study of Long Term Care facilities in the United States found that the percentage of newly admitted, obese residents rose 15-25% between 1992 and 2001. Nearly one-third of these obese individuals were under age 65.

Long Term Care Insurance provides a way for people to protect their assets while having the peace of mind that they will receive the quality care they deserve should they ever require Long Term Care. However, it is important to purchase Long Term Care Insurance at a younger age. By the time you are overweight or obese, it may be too late to qualify. Without Long Term Care Insurance, you are left to pay the cost out of pocket or forfeit all your assets and be covered by government run Medicaid.

If you have a substantial amount of assets, it is wise to invest in Long Term Care Insurance. LTC Tree can help you shop the market, compare the rates from the top carriers, and review your different policy options. We want our consumers to take their time and be confident that they made the best decision for their specific needs.

Have questions about Long Term Care Insurance? Call us at 1-800-800-6139.

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