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Everything is Bigger in Texas, Especially Waistlines
Volume 28, Issue 488 April 2, 2007
Matthew Gever
Obesity among Texans costs businesses in the state $3.3 billion, and could cost as much as $15 billion by 2025, says a report from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
In 1990, 12.3 percent of Texans were considered obese. In 2005, the figure rose to 27 percent, an increase of about 3 million adults. Nationally, 22.4 percent of the population is considered obese; Texas ranks number 10 in the nation in adult obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Obesity is largely responsible for a 29 percent increase in employer insurance premiums from 2001 to 2004, according to the report. Obesity can lead to decreased productivity, disability and chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, hypertension, gallbladder disease and certain cancers. These diseases cost employers directly in higher health care costs and indirectly through lost productivity, disability and absenteeism (see graph).
The Texas legislature has taken some steps to improve the lives of tomorrow’s workforce. Earlier this year, Sen. Jane Nelson introduced SB 530, which increases the physical activity requirements for elementary and middle school kids and requires annual confidential fitness assessments. “To look at the numbers in this report, we should all be frightened as employers, as taxpayers and as parents,” said Nelson at a press conference.
To read the full report, please visit http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/obesitycost/.
© Copyright 2007, State Health Notes
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