Consequences of Obesity

People who have obesity, compared to those with a healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions. In addition, obesity and its associated health problems have a significant economic impact on the US health care system. Obesity also affects military readiness.

Health Conditions

Obesity in children and adults increases the risk for the following health conditions.^1,2,3

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol which are risk factors for heart disease.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Breathing problems, such as asthma and sleep apnea.

• Joint problems such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease.

Childhood obesity is also associated with:^4,5,6

• Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
• Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life.
• Social problems such as bullying and stigma.
• Obesity as adults.

Adults with obesity have higher risks for stroke, many types of cancer, premature death, and mental illness such as clinical depression and anxiety.^7,8

Economic Impact

Annual obesity-related medical care costs in the United States, in 2019 dollars, were estimated to be nearly $173 billion.⁹ Annual nationwide productivity costs of obesity-related absenteeism range between $3.38 billion ($79 per individual with obesity) and $6.38 billion ($132 per individual with obesity).¹⁰

Direct medical costs may include preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. Indirect costs relate to sickness and death and include lost productivity. Productivity measures include employees being absent from work for obesity-related health reasons, decreased productivity while at work, and premature death and disability¹¹

Military Readiness

Just over 1 in 3 young adults aged 17-24 is too heavy to serve in the US military [PDF-774KB]. Among the young adults who meet weight requirements, only 3 in 4 report physical activity levels that prepare them for challenges in basic training. Consequently, only 2 in 5 young adults are both weight-eligible and adequately active for military service.

Also, 19% of active-duty service members had obesity in 2020, up from 16% in 2015. These individuals are less likely to be medically ready to deploy. Between 2008 and 2017, active-duty soldiers had more than 3.6 million musculoskeletal injuries. One study found that active-duty soldiers with obesity were 33% more likely to get this type of injury.