Obesity and its impact on the United States healthcare system - Essay Example

?"Obesity and Its Impact on United s Health Care System" Introduction Medical advances enable individuals to have a longer life expectancy and combat diseases that were once proven cause of mortality. Innovation in medicines and medical technologies provide a tool to physicians to alleviate the chronic conditions of the patients and enhance their survival rate. Although in United States healthcare system is the most pricey in the world, still reports reveal that much of the situations are related with chronic medical conditions. A distressing inclination display an increase in the cases of overweight and obesity amongst the U.S. population (Dietz, 2009). Research studies reveal that obesity is found to be associated with numerous chronic health states counting diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, high blood pressure (Glied, 2003). The number is increasing constantly and thereby obesity does not come alone but in association with other chronic conditions, radically enhancing the cost of healthcare in order to afford the essential therapeutic concern and management required to deal with comorbid states resulting in the financial burden on the nation as well as deficit in upcoming healthcare endowment besides augmenting demands of health care facilities and hence a complicated situation is portrayed. A more wide-ranging interdisciplinary research is required to have an insight to understand the situation (Glied, 2003). As obesity has emerged as an issue that is engulfing the well-being of individuals in the present epoch, as it is rising as an epidemic in the United States of America. The incidence of obesity amongst adults has become two fold in past couple of decades intensifying the health concern and related issues of the inhabitants (Flegal, 2010). Obesity condenses eminence of life, enhances the probability of untimely death, augments the jeopardy for numerous persistent diseases, related to heart such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, other related disorders like high cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, overweight resulting in orthopaedic problems, early signs of puberty in case of obese kids, reduced life expectancy, stroke, enhances the possibilities of witnessing Type 2 diabetes, elevated BMI, cancer, arthritis, metabolic disorders and other related anomalies (US Department of Health and Human Services: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Obesity). Obesity not only brings concern about health but it adds to the financial burden too. Obesity augments the health care costs. Estimates reveal that obesity accounts for approximately 10% of yearly medical expenses, increasing the obesity-associated medical costs to $147 billion in 2008 (Finkelstein. 2009). Obesity has reached an alarming position in USA, and two well distinguished categories have been demonstrated namely obese and extreme obese. Findings disclose that over one-third adults of United States are found to be obese during the year 2007–2008 (Flegal, 2010). According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the incidence of obesity in the United States could be estimated by means of data for height to weight ratio. The prevalence rate of obesity displays that there was a steady increase in obesity equally in both the sexes belonging to all ages from 1976 -1980 to 1988-1994. On the other hand the trend in obesity augmentation between 1988-1994 and 1999-2000 was significant in other ages except for the males belonging to the age between 40 to 59 years. While data analysis from 2001-2002 to 2003-2004 recommended escalating trends since 1999-2000 in males and not in females (Ogden, 2006).? Obesity trends also varies between the ethnic and racial communal groups which is displayed by means of BMI, a helpful tool to measure obesity for the examination and comparison of the obesity and to procure data in a standard format across the world as BMI indicates the percentage of body fat (Bouchard, 2008). Literature Review According to Oliver and Lee (2005), Obesity is becoming a critical issue and it has started gaining prevalence in America's political awareness. Some of the inhabitants are conscious about their body weight and eating habits while others are not and they do not consider obesity as a crime and are not critically worried with obesity, therefore feebly support strategies related to combating obesity. Numerous beliefs or political leanings favor and condemn the pervasiveness of obesity . Rather, low-valence issue, obesity, people are more inclined towards other attitudinal structures responsible for obesity including attitudes on smoking rule and other environmental issues contributing to obesity. Obesity Overweight is followed by obesity in many cases where weight control measures are not considered or given significance. It occurs due to discrepancy between the consumption of food and the utilization of calories. The quality of food also matters, if the diet is rich in fats and carbohydrates then surplus fats starts accumulating leading to obesity. Past couple of generations witnessed the increase in the rate of obesity in American population. This could be correlated with the altered average BMI (Body Mass Index). The average weight of an American male in 1960s was 168 pounds which has increased to 180 pounds approximately. While a female weighed an average of 143 pounds in 1960s and now it is increased to 155 pounds. The data indicate that the average of overweight has augmented from 45 to 61 percent and rate of obesity enhanced from 13 to 34 percent. Reports reveal that maximum augmentation occurred between 1980 and 1990 (Glied, 2003). The alteration in BMI (BMI=Kg/M?) with time also indicate the increase in obesity ratio. BMI value of 25 to 29.9 is measured overweight, while 30 to 39.9 is considered as obese, while 40 and above are considered as morbidly or strictly obese (Ferraro, 2003). These data indicate that the obesity rate in America has taken the form of an epidemic (Glied, 2003). According to the 2005- 2006 reports of The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 33% adults in the United States, belonging to the age group of 20 years and above are overweight, 34% belong to the category of obese, while 6 % are measured to be morbidly or enormously obese. Obesity is not confined to the adults but it also includes children belonging to the age group of 2 to 19 years. 16% children belonging to this category are obese and probably carry the burden of their obesity till adulthood (Dietz, 2009). Studies carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlight that the rise in obesity has not yet reached its plateau but it is on rise. Considering obesity as a serious issue in American population, now World Health Organization (WHO) has distinguished obesity as a global epidemic. The studies carried out across the world reveals the fact that of the 7 billion of world's population, one billion people are overweight or obese and more prominently in developing nations (Glied, 2003). Causes of Obesity As described by Glied, (2003), eating habits and consumption of large quantity of calorific food by an individual with little physical activities or work output leads to the accumulation of the calories. As stated earlier, an obese child turns out to be an obese adult and therefore an appropriate discipline is desired in the life cycle of adults and children, i.e. the entire family. The triggering factors to eat more could be varied, starting from loneliness to eating discipline. Observation reveals that children are becoming dependent on fast food which are easy to cook, or readymade, tempting and pleasing to tongue. These food items are highly calorific and constant consumption may lead to fat accumulation, a step towards obesity. Supply of these food stuffs directly relates to the augmenting demand for such products. Proponents of fast food consumers have their view point, in the present scenario both the partners are working, stressful and hectic schedule press on the search for easy means to prepare food. If readymade items or ready to cook consumables are available these working groups are likely to opt for them. Moreover, to sail high in the market companies are promoting their sale for this group of individuals. Since both the partners are working their children also look for the easy options to satisfy their hunger pangs (Rosenheck, 2008). From the business point, fast food restaurants are finding openings near to schools where they can attract wide range of customers to run their business and earn their livelihood. Preparation as per the demand to thrive well in the market is the key to business success and therefore fast food business is thriving well across the world. The more advanced the economy of the nation, more involvement of people in the work, less time for preparation of food results in dependency on fast food corners to please their tongue as well as fulfill their appetite. Where are these measures heading- towards making the working class obese or enabling them to manage their time well? When fast food consumption is combined with sedentary life style, it becomes an additional contribution towards obesity. Consumption of sweetened cool drinks, fruit juices, consumption of pizza, burgers, meat, adds calories to the body. Such a high calorie burn-out require regress physical activities, lack of physical output results in weight-gain followed by over-weight and gradually to obesity. Sedentary life style is always associated with weight gain (Jacobs, 2006). The equation is simpler to understand, more calories consumption more is the tendency to put up weight turning from fat to overweight to obese. More calorie consumption alters the BMI. A study by Glied, (2003) highlights the fact that the rate of increase of weight and obesity is too speedy and therefore does not possess genetic accreditation. According to Philipson and Posner (2008) although biological aspects are responsible for metabolic alterations and this is depicted in the form of weight gain or loss. With the obesity epidemic genetic basis or the biological aspects are not likely to play any imperative role in the obesity, but the consumption of calories is emerging as the sole responsible feature in augmenting obesity. According to Glied, (2003), unless the consumption of high calorific food is reduced, it is impossible to combat obesity. The sedentary life style, watching television, more of computer work, sleep and reduced physical work, instead of walks, even small distance commuting is done by car, sports participation is diminishing and therefore individuals tend to accumulate the calories. According to Glied, (2003), two possible aspects has emerged to be the major reasons for enhanced intake of calorific food, these are technological progressions and farming modernization. Moreover, food are readily available and lots of restaurants have also cropped up to meet the hunger of inhabitants and thereby contributing to the increase in weight. Marketing of the food products is also emerging as a major competition. Food items are packed in tempting packaging, with better preservatives, and are sold with deep freezing options, better and pleasing to tongue, chemically developed flavors and ease in cooking method such as accessibility to microwave ovens, grills and machines that allow large quantity of food preparation in a short time. With globalization, these food products are available at every corner of the world, money spinning business for the manufacturer but cause negative effect on the health. Technology advances and preservatives are introduced in order to prevent food from spoilage and to check the growth of microbes leading to the contamination of food items. Innovative measures in agriculture enable the farmers to have a better yield and thereby making food availability at a cheaper rate. Genetic engineering has made it possible to have a hybrid disease resistance seeds which can withstand atmospheric alterations has also paved the way for high production of food items (Glied, 2003). All The prevalence of obesity has reached an alarming situation as it has emerged as the second-foremost reason of avoidable death in US following smoking, therefore various health reforms are coming forward to have a concern about public health. According to Dr. Richard Atkinson, president of the American Obesity Association, "Obesity is killing 300 thousand people a year, so that's an epidemic, it is a serious problem". Those opposing the reasons could have varied reasons to stay in false hopes. Theories are being formulated stating that genetic predisposition is the basic reason for obesity while some propose that it is the virus that is responsible for obesity and therefore obesity cannot be controlled and should be categorized as a disease. The view was also supported by The National Institutes of Health. Although most of the surgeons and scientists do not support the view that obesity is a disease. According to the Rick Berman of Center for Consumer Freedom, "That's not a disease, that's something that's within the control of everyone. And for us to now shift this over to say ... it's society's responsibility is a real sorry day for this country" (America's Obesity Problem Spurs Debate). Proponents for obesity prevention support the government intervention for putting up heavy taxes on cigarettes as well as alcohol consumption. This is an effort to minimize the use of these commodities by individuals, as they have serious health implications. When coming to obesity, which is equally harmful and hampering the well being of the inhabitants. Government intervention is seriously desired towards self-directive of food promotion in order to embark upon the obesity disaster. According to environmental campaigner, John Gibbons, “much like burning coal, processed foods laden with salt, sugar and fats are only cheap as long as you don’t have to pay to clean up the mess, and society, rather than the producers and polluters, continues to pick up the tab” (Debate on Obesity Our view: Hooked on junk food). Demand is equal to production, augmentation in demand promotes excessive production of the food items. Proponents of obesity control further propose the application of fat tax. There has to be a limit for fat in the food stuff. Further, trans fat is present in some of the cool drinks chips and fried items. Should these items be banned? Will it bring any kind of check in their consumption? Could imposition of fat tax reduce the consumption of food items associated with promoting obesity? The situation is not so easy as it looks. Imposition of heavy taxes on cigarettes could not stop people from purchasing, besides creating awareness about the health hazards caused by tobacco consumption could generate responsiveness in some leaving others to continue with their habits. In a similar manner implementation of fat tax could be a little help unless people understand their responsibilities and concern for their health and well being. Imposition of fat tax could not stop affluent class from purchasing rich food but it is going to affect the deprived individuals further. Fat tax cannot be imposed in simple manner but it must have a fair check based upon the calories which should always be maintained. Obesity pervasiveness is mounting increasingly irrespective of the age or class. Debate continues to understand obesity and its health implication and the role it plays in disease- explicit transience, its clinical significance and treatment. BMI understanding is essential to determine the health consequences. It is essential to delineate between health and tongue satisfaction; between premature death and healthy life style; complications and physical fitness, negligence and health concern; ease in procuring readily available stuff and spare some moments to eat healthy food. The debate is always a continuous process and opponents have their one or the other excuse ready to put for the day . American population is witnessing an epidemic of obesity. This is putting a financial burden on the nation. Medical Issues According to Glied, (2003), “obesity leads to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and various cancers including breast, cervical, ovarian, gallbladder, prostrate and colon cancer". The fact is supported by various studies. According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010), “obesity is a costly condition that can reduce quality of life and increase the risk for many serious chronic diseases and premature death”. According to the research studies of Schaefer and Ferraro, (2007), “The health problems linked to excess adiposity make medical treatment more complicated, and obesity can therefore be expected to yield more and longer hospital stays”. Schaefer and Ferraro, (2007), also proposed, “cumulative-disadvantage theory.” According to the theory, health conditions is a continuous and lasting processes, alteration in lifestyle may lead to altered health. Obesity is augmenting and results in chronic conditions affecting life and life expectancy (Glied, 2003). Medical Costs According to Glied, (2003), “These chronic diseases affect the quality of an individual’s life, his or her productivity and place a great financial burden on the country’s healthcare system” In “Statistical Brief #247” the AHRQ claims that “Over the past decade, obesity has become recognized as a national health threat and major public health challenge” (2010). Statistics for 2006 for the medical costs related with obesity encompass $147 billion approximately, also, an obese individual display $1,429 more as compared to the medical cost of the normal weight individual. It is creating a financial burden on the nation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list that in 2008 the total expenditures for U.S. healthcare was $2.3 trillion which is 16% of the total U.S. GDP of this 47% was obtained from public funds (Fedstats, 2011). According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “The United States spends a larger share of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare than any other major industrialized country. Expenditures for healthcare represent nearly one seventh of the nation’s GDP, and they continue to be one of the fastest growing components of the federal budget” As compared to the budget of 1960 budget, where healthcare included 5% of GDP which increased to 13 percent by the year 2000 (AHRQ Fact Sheet, 2002). According to Philipson and Posner (2008), with this rate, by 2016 around half of the U. S. population will become obese and more amount of the GDP will have to be spent on health care. U.S. Healthcare According to the research studies of Neuman and Sullivan (2006), “The pipelines of drug, biotechnology, device and diagnostics manufacturers are full of promising and expensive products”. The healthcare system in the United States seems to be highly kind in spending the capital resources as lots of funds are being released to get a new drug. This quest is due to the complications that are increased because of obesity. Imaging studies like MRI’s and CT scans are also expensive and healthcare providers in the U.S. received as much as $25 billion from earnings on self-owned facilities (Glied, 2003). Billing is also done for every treatment further adding to the expenses. Moreover, when hospitalized, hospital borne infections are also a cause of great concern which enhances the duration of hospital stay (Leavitt, 2008). Conclusion Obesity pervasiveness is mounting irrespective of the age or class. Research continues to understand obesity and its health implication and the role it plays in disease- explicit transience, its clinical significance and treatment. BMI understanding is essential to determine the health consequences. It is essential to delineate between health and tongue satisfaction; between premature death and healthy life style; complications and physical fitness, negligence and health concern; ease in procuring readily available stuff and spare some moments to eat healthy food. The research is always a continuous process and opponents have their one or the other excuse ready to put for the day. The health concern is related with the amount of money nation is spending and is constantly rising and therefore serious implications are required especially with the minority group and the Hispanic population to check obesity in order to safeguard their health and related aspects. As the United States is witnessing a mounting epidemic of obesity, there are numerous comorbid and chronic medical states connected with obesity that turn into overriding consequences afterwards in life it is the need of time to prevent the health hazards caused due to overeating and obesity. The national economy should not be burdened with the healthcare costs instead inhabitants must build a congenial, progressive as well as healthy atmosphere to contribute in the cognitive national development. References 1. "America's Obesity Problem Spurs Debate". 22 October 2011. . 2. Bouchard, C. "How much progress have we made over the last few decades?" Int J Obes (Lond). 32(suppl 7), S2–S7, 2008. 3. "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011". 15th November 2011. . 4. "Debate on Obesity Our view: Hooked on junk food". 22 October 2011. . 5. Dietz, W.H, Benken, D.E., Hunter, A.S. "Public Health Law and the Prevention and Control of Obesity". The Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 215-227. 2009. 6. Ferraro, K. F., Kelley-Moore, J. A. "Cummulative Disadvantage and Health: Long Term Consequences of Obesity". American Sociological Review. 68(5), 707-729. 2003. 7. Finkelstein, E.A., Trogdon, J.G., Cohen, J.W., Dietz, W. 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