Is it true that fat people are the cause of rising health care costs?

Question

It makes sense, but is there any data backing it up? They have more health problems, requiring more visits and treatment, yet pay the same as healthy people for their health care plans.

Answer 1

There is "tons" of data to show that obese people have higher health care costs than fit people.

Tons.

They definitely "put a strain" on the system.

Weigh things down.

Answer 2

No, I work in the health field. It all started years ago when Doctors and hospitals we not given any regulations to control cost. to put it simple. They were given a blank check. When someone would check in the hospital they would consult two or more other doctors and order test after test. People would stay in the hospital for a much longer stay than now. Surgeries that now is done as an out patient back then they would be admitted for a couple of days. Now we have to make up for that spending waste. Also people can't afford Insurance so. who do you think pays for that? We do. Our insurance system needs to be changed so every one has health care. People who don't have insurance tend to stay away longer. When they are admitted they have more severe problems and have to stay longer. Also once they are discharged they don't get their medications because they can't afford them. Obese people have little to do with this major problem. I could go on and on. I am sorry I didn't mean to be so long winded.

Answer 3

You need to define "fat." Considering many male athletes and even some celebrities are overweight or obese, you could be implying a very healthy person is unhealthy.

Some extra weight in and of itself is not unhealthy. It's the conditions often associated with weight that causes health problems.

You do seem to have an amazing amount of answers blasting fat people. You even answer questions not related to weight with some slam on bigger folks. Perhaps a fat girl or 2 have turned you down. Shame that "even they" aren't interested. Of course, that is simply a theory, like your theory of being better than fat people.

Answer 4

Causes of rising health care costs:
1. Insurance companies and HMO's are more concerned with the bottom line than they are with providing good health care to their clients.
2. Many doctors are sued for malpractice, therefore all doctors have to purchase malpractice insurance, and they charge patients more because of that.
3. People are living longer, therefore developing more of the conditions that go along with aging.
I really haven't heard that "fat people" as you call them are the cause of rising health care costs. In fact I read an article that overweight people are actually often embarrassed to go to the Dr. so skip on health-care altogether. And if you want to blame groups of people, blame smokers, drinkers, thrill-seekers, the elderly, those with chronic conditions such as MS and Diabetes, and yes, I guess the obese. In reality I'd say the problem is more with our system than with the patients who use it. And lets not forget the millions of uninsured, those who can't afford insurance if it isn't offered by their jobs or for other reasons, we often pick up the tab for that group of people, and nobody is coming up with a solution. My husband and I were without health insurance for a few months, and also our newborn daughter. I worried constantly and we tried several different avenues to get health coverage, without much luck. We always made sure our baby made it to her well-baby visits and we paid for them out of pocket, but there are truly those out there who can't afford to do that.

Answer 5

if the majority of fat people were all on welfare, i would see why that could be, since we all would have to pay for it.. but no, i dont think that is the case..... if the gov. would step up and help out medically the fat people to lose weight, then yes, we might end up paying for that.

Answer 6

No, it's idiots like you.