Obese Workers’ Health Care Costs Top Those of Smokers

Among individuals covered by an employer health plan, the difference in average yearly health costs for obese adults was 45% higher than for the cost difference between smokers and non-smokers. Average yearly health costs for obese adults covered by an employer health plan were $1,850 higher than costs for adults of normal weight. The incremental costs of morbid obesity, by age group, ranged from $5,467 to $5,530. Smokers’ average yearly health costs were $1,275 higher than non-smokers’ costs. The annual incremental mean costs of smoking, by age group, ranged from $1,274 to $1 . . .