WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CARE AND ECONOMIC COSTS OF PEDIATRIC OBESITY?

Obesity perhaps produces the largest increases in health care costs because of its association with multiple comorbidities, including asthma, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and cholelithiasis. With the advent of these formerly adult chronic medical issues arising in childhood, we may witness this current generation of children being the first in history to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. Care for these comorbidities also produces a financial burden through increased health care use.