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Health care costs, CVD risk gradually increased with BMI
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Researchers have discovered a gradual increase in health claims costs starting at the lower end of the recommended BMI range. However, the relationship between BMI and health care costs has not increased dramatically in the past decade, according to data.
“Our findings suggest that excess fat is detrimental at any level,” Truls Østbye, MD, PhD, professor of community and family medicine at Duke University Medical Center and professor of health services and systems research at Duke-National University of Singapore, said in a press release.
The study included Duke University employees who participated in an annual health risk appraisal from 2001 to 2011.
In terms of percent increase in cost per BMI unit, cardiovascular disease in men (10.53; 95% CI, 6.46-14.77) and women (4.27; 95% CI, 1.25-7.38) were the most significant comorbidities. However, CV agents tended to play the biggest role in increased pharmacy costs (7.23; 95% CI, 6.08-8.39), researchers wrote.
The prevalence for diabetes increased from 1.6% (BMI, 19-24) and 3.95% (BMI, 25-29) to 7.7% (BMI, 30-34), 13.7% (BMI, 35-39) and 16.6% (BMI, ≥40), according to data.
The prevalence for hypertension increased from 5.4% (BMI, 19-24) and 13.5% (BMI, 25-29) to 19.6% (BMI, 30-34), 25.6% (BMI, 35-39) and 30.6% (BMI, ≥40), according to data.
The mean annual medical costs for those with a BMI of 45 ($3,946) more than doubled the costs for those with a BMI of 19 ($1,805), and pharmacy costs increased to $934 per year in those with a BMI of 45, up from $563, researchers wrote.
“Employers should be interested in these findings because, directly or indirectly, they end up paying for a large portion of these health care costs,” Østbye said.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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