Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: January 21, 2004
Contact: Ann Thacher, Office Chief, Division of Disease Prevention and Control
401-222-7637 or 401-787-7707 (after hours)

$305 Million Annual Medical Cost of Obesity in Rhode Island

Obesity is a national epidemic. During the past decade, Rhode Island’s overweight and obese population experienced a dramatic rise. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2002, a staggering 18% of Rhode Island adults were obese, up from 10% in 1991.

In the recent journal Obesity Research, an article published by researchers at RTI International and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided the first state-by-state estimates of obesity-attributable medical expenditures. The paper also provided rough estimates of the cost burden that falls on taxpayers in each state, through Medicaid and Medicare. In 2003, the nation’s medical expenditures resulting from adult obesity (excluding overweight) totaled at least $75 billion. State-level estimates ranged from $87 million in Wyoming to 7.7 billion in California. If obesity-related expenditures for Medicaid and Medicare recipients were financed through a direct national tax, the tax would need to be between $150 and $200 annually per taxpayer.

In Rhode Island, 2002 medical expenditures for adult obesity exceeded $305 million, with approximately 60% of this total financed by Medicaid and Medicare. Obesity-attributable expenditures represent approximately 5% of Rhode Island annual health care bill.

"These estimates of obesity-attributable medical costs present the newest available information concerning the economic impact at the state level," noted Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director, Rhode Island Department of Health. "Policy makers should consider these estimates, along with other factors, in determining how best to allocate public health resources to support healthy choices. Maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved by promoting the proper balance between calories taken in and calories used. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are the keys to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight."

To reduce the burden of obesity, the Rhode Island Department of Health Initiative for a Healthy Weight (IHW) has completed a strategic plan and is working with local leaders, institutions and stakeholders to implement effective strategies to reach Rhode Islanders, with funding from CDC. Current partners funded to work with adults in our communities include:

• South Providence Neighborhood Ministries – organizing their neighborhood to provide better access to physical activity and healthy food, and
• Worksite Wellness Council of Rhode Island – supporting employers to offer healthy opportunities to their workforce.

The Rhode Island Senate has convened a Special Commission on Childhood Obesity, which met for the first time. This commission will study policies that Rhode Island can enact to support healthy choices for children in schools and communities. Overweight children are at high risk of becoming obese adults. The IHW is also supporting efforts to prevent overweight and obesity in Rhode Island children.

For more information about the Rhode Island Department of Health Initiative for a Healthy Weight, call 401-222-7637.