Obesity - Has It Caused You to Be Uninsurable?

More than half of Americans are either overweight or obese. For many adults and children alike, their waistlines continue to grow while their quality of life and lifespan is declining. Health insurance rates have long been on the upswing and most analysts blame an increased use of medical services for driving up costs. So why are we seeing the doctor so much these days?

The answer could be: obesity.

While society attempts to define the causes of obesity and searches for solutions, look at this truly alarming fact. Childhood obesity has increased tremendously over the past decade.

People who are overweight are at an increased risk for diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. These conditions contribute to greater health care costs. Insurance companies have known that obesity isn't profitable. So they use strict height and weight tables. When an applicant for health insurance falls out of the normal weight standards, even if otherwise healthy, they may be either denied health insurance coverage or their premiums will be raised.

And compounding to this national problem are the over 40 million individuals who are without medical insurance. Sadly, but the people who need the medical coverage the most are the ones least likely to get it. Regular medical checkups are the most effective means of controlling the factors that lead to overweight, such as poor diet and lack of education regarding health choices. But, since individual health insurance is difficult to obtain for those who are classified as "unhealthy" or "uninsurable" due to their overweight and obese condition, these individuals often don't get this needed help.

Even those who have access to an employer-sponsored health insurance plan and can not be declined coverage based on their weight (group insurance is basically guaranteed issue health insurance), the increased cost of insuring them is still there, borne not only by them but also by their coworkers.

Today, it is important for all of us to lead a healthy lifestyle. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight could improve your overall health and save you a significant amount of money on monthly health insurance premiums.