By PHIL SANCHEZ
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
A new report, Obesity’s Impact on Indiana’s Economy and Labor Force, was released this month by GlobalData and found that obesity reduces economic activity in Indiana by $9.3 billion and leads to a 2 percent reduction in the state’s gross domestic product.
About one-third of Hoosier adults are considered obese, and another third are overweight.
The report shows that the obesity of Indiana employers and state policymakers results in an over $2 billion impact when factoring in higher healthcare costs, absenteeism, and disability costs to employers.
Reduced workforce participation rates continue to be a problem in Indiana and obesity impacts that as well. Nearly 70,000 fewer obese adults are currently part of the workforce, GlobalData’s research shows.
Obesity also has a nearly $1 billion negative impact on the state’s budget, including increased Medicaid and public health costs.
“State policymakers and employers play a crucial role in addressing obesity by implementing effective policies and programs that prioritize access to evidence-based treatment plans and resources,” the report reads. “Taking a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention and treatment is key to improving population health and reducing healthcare costs linked to obesity-related conditions … By working together, these stakeholders can make a significant impact in addressing the obesity epidemic and fostering a healthier future for their communities and the state’s workforce.”
The report suggests that if adults under 65 lose 5 to 25 percent of their body weight over a 10-year span, it has the potential to save $8 billion in related medical costs.