Junk food and soft drinks often seem like harmless indulgences due to their attractive packaging and catchy marketing. However, the reality is that these cheap, processed foods come with a high cost. The rise in the consumption of such unhealthy items has led to an increase in obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. In fact, if you have fallen sick recently, there’s a good chance it is related to being overweight and having poor food choices.
The Real Costs of Obesity
A study conducted by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health shows that obesity results in a staggering $8.65 billion in annual absentee costs for businesses in the United States. This represents 9% of all costs caused absenteeism from the workplace.
In a state like Wisconsin, work absences due to obesity are costing more than $14 million a year. The annual price in California stands at over $900 million.
“In areas where local wage level is higher or has a high burden of obesity, the value of lost productivity really adds up,” says researcher Y. Claire Wang, who co-directs the Obesity Prevention Initiative at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
Global Impact of Obesity
The total global cost of obesity is now surpassing the astronomical figure of $2 trillion a year in healthcare costs and other economic consequences, as per a report by the McKinsey Global Institute.
This cost equals what is drained from economies by healthcare for smokers or the total costs of terrorism, war, and armed violence.
“Obesity isn’t just a health issue,” warns researcher Richard Dobbs, “but it’s a major economic and business challenge.”
To illustrate the gravity of the problem, consider this: 30% of the world’s population is now either overweight or obese, and 15% of all health costs can be attributed to our weight. Moreover, 2.8% of the global gross domestic product (GDP) is affected.
That’s a whopping 2 trillion reasons to put down those potato chips and step away from the soft drinks.
What Can You Do?
The first and most obvious step is to cut down on junk food and unhealthy soft drinks in your diet. Make a conscious effort to replace them with healthier snacks and beverages. It’s essential to understand that small daily choices can translate into significant life-long consequences.
Educate yourself – Learn about the nutritional content of the food you consume. Websites such as ChooseMyPlate and World’s Healthiest Foods offer detailed information on the benefits of various food items. With sufficient knowledge, you can plan a balanced and nutritious diet.
Cook at home – Home-cooked meals have multiple advantages. Not only can you save money, but you also have complete control over the ingredients and portions. By cooking at home, you can ensure healthier food choices and reduce the presence of unhealthy additives like sodium and preservatives that are common inprocessed food.
Make smart substitutions – Find healthier alternatives to your favorite junk food items. For instance, replace potato chips with baked veggie chips or whole grain crackers, and swap out soda for flavored sparkling water or herbal tea.
Stay active – Exercise regularly to keep yourself fit and improve your overall well-being. Work on finding an activity that works best for you, whether it’s walking, running, yoga, or swimming. Staying active doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours at the gym; incorporate physical activities into your daily routine like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for an evening walk.
Emphasize portion control – Resist the temptation to overeat by practicing portion control. Using smaller plates can help create an illusion of larger servings and encourage eating less. Also, avoid eating directly from a package – portion out your snacks into a bowl, so you’re aware of exactly how much you consume.
Reduce stress and prioritize sleep – Stress and lack of sleep can significantly impact your food choices and result in unhealthy eating habits. Be proactive in managing stress and make sleep a priority to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re unsure of where to begin, visit reputable health websites or consult with a registered dietitian/nutritionist for guidance on how to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Remember, it’s never too late to make a change for the better and invest in your long-term well-being.
