Societal and personal costs of obesity
TL;DR: The economic costs of obesity can be broken down into three levels: 1. DIRECT COSTS: Costs to the community, related to the diversion of resources to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases directly related to obesity, as well as the treatment of obesity itself as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The economic costs of obesity can be broken down into three levels: 1. DIRECT COSTS: Costs to the community, related to the diversion of resources to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases directly related to obesity, as well as the treatment of obesity itself. These costs have been estimated to vary between 1-5% of total healthcare costs for various countries. Usually, the cost of obesity alone has been calculated, although it is known that the costs associated with being overweight [body mass index (BMI) 25-30 kg/m2] are also substantial because of the large proportion of individuals involved. These constitute costs to the health service (visits to general practitioners, consultations with medical specialists, hospital admissions and medication). 2. SOCIETAL OR INDIRECT COSTS: These costs are related to the loss of productivity caused by absenteeism, disability pensions and premature death. There is a lack of good economic analysis on this subject, although research from Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands has clearly shown that obesity is associated with increased sick leave and disability pensions. 3. PERSONAL COSTS: Obese subjects may earn less than their lean counterparts because of job discrimination (related to the stigma associated with obesity, or due to diseases and disabilities caused by obesity). Many insurance companies (particularly life insurance) charge higher premiums with increasing degrees of overweight. Obesity is further related to poor physical functioning and limitations in daily life. Some of these require assistance or adaptations which may be costly for an individual. In conclusion, there is much indirect information that obesity and overweight contribute substantially to healthcare-related costs. Data on aspects such as societal costs and personal costs are too fragmentary to allow calculation of the expenses involved. An appropriate analysis of all costs associated with obesity is important in order to persuade responsible bodies to develop strategies towards the prevention and long-term management of obesity.
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TL;DR: To prevent increasing morbidity and mortality due to obesity-related T2DM and cardiovascular disease in developing countries, there is an urgent need to initiate large-scale community intervention programs focusing on increased physical activity and healthier food options, particularly for children.
Abstract: Context: Prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome is rapidly increasing in developing countries, leading to increased morbidity and mortality due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Evidence Acquisition: Literature search was carried out using the terms obesity, insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, dyslipidemia, nutrition, physical activity, and developing countries, from PubMed from 1966 to June 2008 and from web sites and published documents of the World Health Organization and Food and Agricultural Organization. Evidence Synthesis: With improvement in economic situation in developing countries, increasing prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome is seen in adults and particularly in children. The main causes are increasing urbanization, nutrition transition, and reduced physical activity. Furthermore, aggressive community nutrition intervention programs for undernourished children may increase obesity. Some evidence suggests that widely preval...
1,074 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This article reviews what is currently known about antipsychotic-induced weight gain, describes the magnitude of the problem, briefly touches on mechanisms of action, and addresses the correlation of interindividual variations in magnitude of weight gain.
Abstract: With the availability of the so-called novel antipsychotic agents, extrapyramidal symptoms are becoming decreasingly problematic for patients with schizophrenia, and simultaneously, a new symptom is emerging as a preeminent concern. This side effect is weight gain and its metabolic concomitants. This article reviews what is currently known about antipsychotic-induced weight gain, describes the magnitude of the problem, briefly touches on mechanisms of action, and addresses the correlation of interindividual variations in magnitude of weight gain. In addition, we address questions about the effects of weight gain on compliance and whether or not there is a correlation between weight gain and therapeutic efficacy. Finally, we address medical consequences of weight gain and review the literature supporting various treatment options for antipsychotic-induced weight gain. As will be seen, this is an area of research in its infancy, and much work remains to be done.
617 citations
TL;DR: Conceptual models are proposed concerning an "afferent-efferent neurotransmitter unit," with facilitatory or inhibitory neuropeptide properties to generate an appropriate neuroendocrine and neuronal response that ultimately modifies food intake, and a schema integrating the onset mechanism of cancer anorexia.
411 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that broad statements comparing the relative risk of specific adverse effects between ‘atypical’ and ‘conventional’ antipsychotics are largely meaningless; rather, comparisons should be made between specific atypical and specific conventional drugs.
Abstract: Antipsychotic drugs can be of great benefit in a range of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but all are associated with a wide range of potential adverse effects. These can impair quality of life, cause stigma, lead to poor adherence with medication, cause physical morbidity and, in extreme cases, be fatal. A comprehensive overview of tolerability requires a review of all available data, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies and postmarketing surveillance studies. Assessing the relative tolerability of atypical antipsychotics is hampered by the paucity of RCTs that compare these drugs head-to-head, and limited and inconsistent reporting of adverse effect data that makes cross-study comparisons difficult. Despite methodological problems in assessment and interpretation of tolerability data, important differences exist between the atypical antipsychotics in the relative risk of acute extrapyramidal symptoms (highest risk: higher doses of risperidone), hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia (highest risk: clozapine and olanzapine), hyperprolactinaemia (highest risk: amisulpride and risperidone), prolongation of heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) [highest risk: ziprasidone and sertindole] and weight gain (highest risk: clozapine and olanzapine). Sedation, antimuscarinic symptoms, postural hypotension, agranulocytosis and seizures are more common with clozapine than with other atypical antipsychotics. The variation in their tolerability suggests that it is misleading to regard the atypical antipsychotics as a uniform drug class, and also means that the term 'atypical antipsychotic' has only limited usefulness. Differences between the atypical agents in terms of efficacy and pharmacodynamic profiles also support this view. As tolerability differs between specific conventional and atypical drugs, we conclude that broad statements comparing the relative risk of specific adverse effects between 'atypical' and 'conventional' antipsychotics are largely meaningless; rather, comparisons should be made between specific atypical and specific conventional drugs. Adverse effects are usually dose dependent and can be influenced by patient characteristics, including age and gender. These confounding factors should be considered in clinical practice and in the interpretation of research data. Selection of an antipsychotic should be on an individual patient basis. Patients should be involved in prescribing decisions and this should involve discussion about adverse effects.
386 citations
TL;DR: The findings show an increase in BMI is asso‐ciated with an increased in the delay/avoidance of health care, and the obese are a stigmatized and vulnerable population.
Abstract: Purpose
To explore the stigma of obesity and its effect on health care utilization, associations between self-esteem, attribution for weight, body mass index (BMI), satisfaction with medical care and the behavior of delaying/avoiding health care were examined.
Data Sources
A convenience sample of 216 women recruited from church sites in Las Vegas completed self-administered questionnaires.
Conclusions
The findings show an increase in BMI is asso-ciated with an increase in the delay/avoidance of health care. Weight-related reasons for delaying/avoiding health care included having “gained weight since last health care visit,” not wanting to “get weighed on the provider's scale,” and knowing they would be told to “lose weight.”
Implications for Practice
The obese are a stigmatized and vulnerable population. Nurse practitioners are challenged to be aware of attitudes towards obesity and to identify ways to promote continuity of care and regular health maintenance. The goals of Healthy People 2010 to reduce obesity-related morbidity cannot be met if health care is delayed/avoided.
338 citations