Essay --

There is an epidemic that is sweeping society that is visible and difficult not to notice; Obesity. Obesity can be called many things by many people. Some people in our society refer to obesity as an epidemic or a disease or a fat person’s problem. Obesity can be labeled many things by many people but there is a general consensus that obesity is a national problem. A person who is obese can be singled out by an employer to pay higher health insurance premiums solely because he or she is obese. The implication that an obese person is put into a separate category from a non-obese person can strengthen the stigma that obesity has on the society. Obesity in society impacts everyone from increased healthcare costs, a person’s overall physical and mental health and the stigma that being obese carries. Society’s problem with obesity is not solely for the children and adults who are overweight, but for every person to help find workable solutions to stop the overall hea lth epidemic that obesity causes. The cost of being obese affects not only the person who is obese but also health care providers, employers and insurance companies. There is a financial strain that is felt throughout society because of the increase of health care costs, health insurance premiums and earning potentials of obese workers that affect the society now and in the future. A person who is obese will â€Å"incur almost $40,000 in additional lifetime health care costs† than a person who is not obese (Davlglus, 2005, p. 98). The numbers associated with the cost of obesity are staggering. Individuals who are obese will spend about $1,500 more in health care and $600 more in prescription drugs than a person who is not obese (Guarino, 2013). The cost of obesity not only aff... ...ividual person and to the society have far reaching effects on the economy as a whole and the obese individual. The physical and mental health of an obese person is not only a concern for the individual but to society. When a group of people are inflicted with diseases directly related to obesity it is time for society to step up and demand a change in how we treat obesity related illnesses and not make obese individuals ashamed to seek medical treatment. The views society has on an obese person does not help foster positive and encouraging feelings but encourages social stigma against the obese. The cycle of health care and health and views on the obese all work together in this epidemic. One part of the obesity problem cannot be solved or addressed without it effecting another area and the problem of our society and nation to work together to find a solution.