Whether you're obese or not, obesity increases Americans' health expenditures by $1,723 a year per person. According to research reported this week, more than 1 in 4 Americans aged 18 and older - 66 million people - are defined as obese, or about 30 pounds over their ideal weight. The MetLife Mature Market Institute and Center for Health Aging said poor eating habits and lack of exercise have contributed to increased incidences of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
