Focusing on South Carolina
December 2009
Focus:
Cost of Obesity in South Carolina
SC Statistics:
- Obesity-attributed health spending in South Carolina will reach more than $1,500 per person by 2018.
- Obesity rates will reach 48.1% in South Carolina in 2018 if the current obesity trend continues.
- If obesity rates remain at 2008 levels (35.6%) rather than continuing to increase, the state could expect to save $858 per person over the next 10 years.
Why is this a public health priority?
Over one-third of South Carolina’s youth is either overweight or obese. If this trend continues into adulthood, South Carolina will be spending more than 10% of its healthcare budget on obesity related issues such as diabetes. The financial cost, as well as the human cost, affects all aspects of quality of life for South Carolinians.
What is the role of SCPHI in addressing this priority?
SCPHI collaborates with the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) to educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions and to communicate evidence-based information to policy makers. PFCD released a report in November 2009 that is the first to estimate obesity prevalence and costs at the state and national level 10 years from now. The full report may be accessed here.
Who are SCPHI’s key partners in this effort?
Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
