Trade Extra Pounds for Extra Dollars
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We’re not talking about currency conversion, here either.
Unless you live under a rock, you know that being overweight is unhealthy; fact is also, that it also can be unhealthy for anyone’s wallet. There are several definite economic disadvantages to having extra pounds around your waist. The economical impact includes direct and indirect costs.
Now, that quick stop at some fast-food joint will not just affect your personal budget but has a trickle down effect on various other factors. For one, loss of productivity at work. They way you eat will reflect the way you feel. Sick days causes overweight women to lose $106 per year and men see a loss of $212. You will not only be missing money on your paycheck for sick days but the employer isn’t getting work done. From the employer perspective, you as the employee are an investment and missed days are a loss in productivity.
Not only will the days lost take toll on your income, it can even limit what you could be making. Obese women can get lower wages, anywhere from 1.5 – 15% since many potential employers view them as lacking self-discipline or even as emotionally unstable.
The extra poundage also means that life insurance premiums go up. Premiums can be two to four times higher and will add up to high dollars over time. Considering that the premiums increase every year it is worth going on a diet.
The same holds true for health insurance premiums. Health insurance companies have to charge more to cover health problems resulting from being overweight. Overweight people spend on average $346 additionally per year on medical costs. This George Washington University study does not include any OTC drugs.
Not only do you pay more on everyday things such as clothing, (the need of more fabric) groceries and medication, but also on higher travel costs since many airlines are now charging for two seats. Also, keep in mind the threat of premature death and higher mortality rate (112,000 preventable deaths in 2010!).
True, even the slim co-worker can have many unhealthy habits, however a report by the Office of the Surgeon General, the U.S. paid about $117 billion for obesity and its related healthcare costs in 2000.
2012 is still young, not too late to make your resolution to find your path to a much healthier you!
Where can you start? Here’s some ideas:
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You Can Do It!
