According to a CDC sponsored study, from 1998 to 2006, the annual medical costs of obesity increased from $74 Billion to $147 Billion. This accounts for over 9% of our total medical costs, according to Eric Finkelstein, PhD, of the Research Triangle Institute. Just the cost of prescription drugs is $1275 annually per obese individual, as opposed to $707 for those who are not obese. The authors stated that the most effective programs for weight loss might be community-based group activities. However, if a patient reports that he/she has cut back on calories, increased exercise and still was unable to lose weight, prescription drugs might be indicated. Surgery is a last resort. We also note that many patients have undiagnosed food allergies or hypothyroidism despite normal blood work. Both of these conditions can present with severe difficulty in losing weight.
See Family Practice News (click here) subscripton required. October 1, 2009, p. 40.
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