Obesity Estimated to Cost U.S. Between $77 to $118 Billion Annually

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today convened a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry, which he chairs in the 111th Congress. 

Today’s hearing investigated the economic and health impact of obesity in America.  Testimony was heard from Dr. William Dietz from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anne Wolf from the University of Virginia Health System, Richard Hamburg with the organization Trust for America’s Health, Martin Yadrick from the American Dietetic Association, and Donna Mazyck from the National Association for School Nurses.  

“With its cost on America estimated somewhere in the $80 to $120 billion a year range, obesity is a problem we must address both for the health of our nation and for our long-term economic sustainability,” said Rep. Baca.  “Today’s hearing provided an excellent opportunity to learn of the tremendous impact of obesity on America, and study the education and preventative steps we must incorporate as we move forward in our attempts to eliminate this disease.”  

The hearing emphasized the impact of obesity on America, with a particular focus on health and economic effects.  A strong focus was also given to childhood obesity – and the need for better nutrition education and prevention programs.  All total, it is estimated that obesity costs the American public somewhere between $77 to $118 billion annually.  The hearing also examined the need for a national, public health strategy focused on obesity prevention and education. 

“During these times of economic hardship, when more families are forced to feed themselves on less and less money, we must ensure that all Americans have equal access to nutritious foods,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “As President Obama has made clear, health care reform is at the top of his agenda.  It is imperative we as a nation focus on prevention.  By education our children and our families about proper diets, we can not only create a healthier nation but also save hundreds of billions in future costs.”

Testimony and written statements submitted by the witnesses can be found online on the Committee’s website: http://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/statements.html.