Obesity cost Indiana $9.3 billion in 2022

Indianapolis, Indiana – According to recent research from GlobalData, Indiana’s economy is being significantly impacted by the state’s two-thirds of the population’s large waistlines, which is costing the state billions of dollars.

The research from GlobalData states that 70% of Indiana residents are either overweight or obese. Only one-third of the population in Indiana avoids the extra weight that has a bad influence on one’s health and lifestyle, a finding described as a “significant public health challenge” in the state.

But how exactly have overweight and obese Indiana residents cut the state’s economic output by a startling $9.3 billion? According to the report, which looked at the effects of obesity on Indiana’s economy and labor force.

For starters, the survey discovered that due to obesity, roughly 70,000 Hoosiers are not employed, including 58,000 more adults without jobs and 11,400 fewer persons due to “premature deaths.” According to the survey, an additional 9,700 of the 58,000 adults who attribute their unemployment to obesity use state and municipal assistance programs at a cost to the state of $27.7 million.

According to the survey, obesity also drives up expenditures associated with employee disability and health-related absenteeism by $901 million yearly.

According to GlobalData, companies in Indiana spent an additional $1.2 billion more on medical care because of health issues related to obesity and overweight. A $455 million increase in state expenses is also shown for Medicaid, public health assistance, and state-run health insurance.

Additionally, those with private insurance paid higher prices totaling $712 million, so they weren’t exempt either.

It was also shown that obese women made 9% less money than women who were in good health. The survey revealed that, in addition to women, people of color and those with lower levels of education are disproportionately affected by obesity, which exacerbates already-existing income and health inequities.

In conclusion, the GobalData study found that high rates of overweight and obese Hoosier workers and residents resulted in higher costs for public assistance, Medicaid, unemployment, reduced earnings, early mortality, higher medical premiums and healthcare costs, business tax losses, sales tax losses, and lost opportunities for economic growth.

“As an organization dedicated to promoting health and well-being, we are deeply concerned about the staggering costs that obesity imposes on the people and economy of Indiana,” said Jennifer Pferrer, executive director of the Wellness Council of Indiana. “Addressing obesity is not only crucial for the well-being of our residents but also for the sustainability and prosperity of our state.”

According to a report by GlobalData, if adult Hoosiers without access to Medicare can lose between 5% and 25% of their body weight, Indiana may save between $8 billion and $20 billion in medical expenses over the next ten years.

“GlobalData’s report serves as a wakeup call to address the obesity crisis head-on, with the potential to alleviate the economic burden on Indiana and foster a healthier and more prosperous future for its residents and employers,” GlobalData concluded.

GlobalData Plc describes itself as a top provider of data and analytics. Eli Lilly and Company provided funding for the Indiana study on obesity and overweight.