If the U.S. obesity rates continues to rise, obesity will cost the United States about $344 billion in medical-related expenses by 2018, eating up about 21% of healthcare spending, according to an analysis. These calculations are based on the projection that in 10 years 43% of Americans adults may be obese, which is roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. A study released in July showed that obese Americans cost the country about $147 billion in weight-related medical bills in 2008, double what it was a decade ago. It now accounts for about 9.1% of medical spending.
