Estimated Reduction in Health Care Spending Associated With Weight Loss in Adults
Authors' conclusion
In this cross-sectional study, projected annual savings from weight loss among US adults with obesity were substantial for both Medicare and employer-based insurance.
Study context
- Population
- US adults with overweight or obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥25) with employer-sponsored insurance or Medicare; Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Household Component
- Participants
- 3,774 vs 13,435
- Exposure
- Weight loss of 5% and 25% vs no weight loss
- Medicaren = 3,774
- Employer-sponsored insurancen = 13,435
- Outcome
- Total annual health care spending, controlling for demographics, income, education and BMI
- Follow-up
- Annual
Methodological detailsinstrumental variable regression model, Data analyzed April 1 to June 20, 2024
- Instrumental variable regression model
- Data analyzed April 1 to June 20, 2024
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Employer-sponsored insurance, 5% weight loss: mean spending reduction (95% CI $654-$686; 8% less)
$670
Employer-sponsored insurance, 25% weight loss: mean spending reduction (95% CI $2783-$2916; 34% less)
$2849
Medicare with ≥1 comorbid condition, 5% weight loss: spending reduction (95% CI $1217-$1306; 7% less)
$1262
Medicare with ≥1 comorbid condition, 25% weight loss: mean spending reduction (95% CI $5254-$5629; 31% less)
$5442
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
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