Question

Sample questions for Econ 3308-W 2020.

15. According to the latest data, there are approximately 7.3 million obese adults and more than 600,000 obese school-aged children in Canada. Prevalence estimates based on waist circumference are even worse as 37% of adults and 13% of youth are abdominally obese. Obesity therefore, creates a large burden on Canada’s health cost and the economy. Comment.

Answer 1

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health. It is defined by body mass index (BMI) and further evaluated in terms of fat distribution via the waist–hip ratio and total cardiovascular risk factors.

Impact of Obesity are as follow in the Canada

1) One of the most cited economic impacts of the obesity epidemic is on direct medical spending. Obesity is linked with higher risk for several serious health conditions, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, asthma, and arthritis.

2)The economic consequences of childhood obesity are typically categorized as direct, such as medical costs, and indirect, such as job absenteeism. The direct costs of childhood obesity include annual prescription drug, emergency room

3)Estimates of the economic burden of obesity in Canada range from $4.6 billion to $7.1 billion annually. There are currently few Canadian data on the long-term health impacts of obesity, particularly for children and youth

4) Obesity can also affect psychological health.

5)The risk of obesity-related death appears to be greatest among those who are at the extreme BMI categories (i.e., underweight and obese), but this relation may be affected by body composition.

6) Estimates of the economic burden of obesity in Canada range from $4.6 billion to $7.1 billion annually.

7)There are currently few Canadian data on the long-term health impacts of obesity, particularly for children and youth.

8)A better understanding of the contribution of obesity to morbidity and mortality could help to develop more accurate economic costs.