Obesity Could Cost Texas Businesses $32.1 Billion by 2030

In 1990, 12.3 percent of Texans were obese. Today that number is 30.9 percent. A special report by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts warns this increasing obesity rate is costing Texas a pretty penny.

The Hefty Price Tag of Obesity in Texas reports in 2012 Texas businesses lost more than $11 billion due to obesity-related costs like health care spending, absenteeism from work, and disability. If the obesity rate continues to increase (as expected), Texas looks to lose $32.1 billion annually by 2030, when the obesity rate is projected to be 37 percent.

To see just how economically damaging this public health crisis can become, the comptroller’s office created an "interactive tool to gauge obesity-related costs to businesses, depending on varying levels of obesity and average annual inflation rates to 2030."

The report points out action is needed. If Texas can lower its obesity rate, even by a small amount, individuals and businesses could see large economic savings. The report outlines several ways Texas is striving to create a healthier future, including school nutrition standards and community health initiatives. Read more.