There is a recent report out from The George Washington School of Public Health and Health Services on the additional costs associated with being overweight or obese in the U.S. The researchers estimate that the annual cost of being overweight is $524 for women and $432 for men. The annual cost of being obese is $4,879 for women and $2,646 for men. Increased medical expenses are a primary driver of these costs with lost wages contributing to the disproportionately larger cost for obese women.
I think that this is a good study to keep in mind when one is considering whether the membership fee at the gym is “worth it” or whether it is worth paying more for good food, solid fitness equipment, or a quality mattress. One way to think about this study is that you have $500 to spend per year on things that will help prevent you from being overweight. Wouldn’t you rather spend that money on great food or a new bicycle than at the doctor’s office or pharmacy?