As Obesity-Related Health Costs Rise, Experts Warn Of Far-Reaching Complications - Regina Schaffer

Obesity-related health care costs in the United States rose 29 percent between 2001 and 2015, and new data from the most populous states reveal that the cost burden varies throughout the country, according to research published in Clinical Chemistry. Reshmi Srinath, MD, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease and director of the weight and metabolism management program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said obesity puts a patient at risk for multiple conditions, ultimately increasing the health care cost burden. "Our biggest concern as endocrinologists is the risk for heart disease and risk for stroke. There's a greater risk for cancer, and then, endocrine-wise, we see obesity is directly tied to fertility. Men present with low testosterone, and women present with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which is associated with infertility. We see the risk for sleep issues and sleep apnea, which is also tied in with metabolic complications."

• Reshmi Srinath, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Director, Weight and Metabolism Management Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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