The direct effect of obesity on the general economy is to increase the allocation of funds to medical services in order to provide and keep up to the increasing rate of obesity related health issues. However, it is also the indirect effect of obesity to people, particularly in teenagers, that makes obesity a growing health concern. The indirect effects of these economic setbacks are due to the loss of output through decreased productivity, caused by increased morbidity and mortality (Loke, 2002). The morbidity costs are wages being lost from people who are unable to work due to their physical ailments. Mortality costs are the future value earnings that people lose because they die prematurely (Loke, 2002). The economic backlash that obesity brings to a teenager can follow them throughout their adult life.      Longitudinal studies of obese adolescents suggest that they have poorer socioeconomic and financial outcome in adult life (Viner & Cole, 2005). When obesity becomes severe, it can inflict bodily pain and affect normal daily activities. A person with severe obesity may find their ability to perform their chosen occupation so compromised that they qualify for disability (American Obesity Association, 2002). Because of the associated physical and psychological health problems that obesity brings, obese teenagers may tend to have difficulty acquiring decent work.      There is evidence of discrimination against obese persons including “employer prejudice”. Persistent obesity through adolescence may result in poor educational achievement, therefore limiting the likelihood of finding gainful employment. In women, there is a close association with poorer employment, although adversity is less than previously reported (Viner & Cole, 2005). The most disturbing type of economic consequence that an obese adolescent faces is the discrimination within the medical community, either from insurance providers or healthcare workers. In the United States, some health insurance providers realize the serious health effects of morbid obesity and cost benefits of its treatment. Some providers continue to deny insurance coverage (American Obesity Association, 2002). This becomes a financial burden to the individual because of the stigmatization that comes with obesity There is the burden of direct medical expense covering the cost of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. [Home] [Physical] [Psychosocial] [Economics] [References] [Home Page]