Today, 34% of Americans have a BMI above 30.1–3 The dramatic rise in obesity has generated considerable concern because of the increased risk that excess weight poses for chronic diseases. The economic burden is substantial, with medical spending estimated to be 42% higher for someone who is obese and obesity-related healthcare costs estimated at $147 billion annually.4 Although smoking is the leading preventable cause of U.S. mortality,5,6 obesity causes greater morbidity,5 and some speculate that deaths due to poor diet and inactivity may exceed those from smoking.
