Obesity now poses as great a threat to Americans' quality of life as smoking, a new study shows. Research results showed that the quality-adjusted life years lost to obesity are equal to, or greater than, those lost because of smoking. Obesity had a larger effect on disease, while smoking had a greater impact on deaths. Although life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy increased over time, the increase in the contribution of mortality to QALYs lost from obesity may result in a decline in future life expectancy. Such data are essential in setting targets for reducing modifiable health risks and eliminating health disparities. Another recent study concluded that if both smoking and obesity rates in the U.S remain unchanged, life expectancy in the nation will be reduced by almost nine months.
via dcpca.org
From "Wednesday, January 6, 2010 | DCPCA Health News Alert."
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