The cost of lifestyle health risks: obesity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide employers interested in lifestyle health initiatives a resource for estimating their members' obesity-related costs stratified by demographics and business sector.

Method: Claims-level medical costs attributable to obesity are estimated. Data come from 61 U.S. employers' health plan members' claims experienced between January 2000 and December 2004.

Results: Diagnosed, nondrug medical expenses attributable to obesity account for 21.3% of lifestyle and 2.8% of all medical costs for those aged 19 to 64 years. Obesity costs for children under 19 years are negligible. Up to age 64 years, females' obesity costs markedly exceed males'. At particular risk for high obesity costs are women, those aged 55 to 64 years, and healthcare sector members.

Conclusions: Obesity is a costly lifestyle health risk and self-insured employers should take action with or without policy aid such as the HeLP Act S2558.