Obesity prevalence has risen steadily for several decades, and the disease, its complications, and comorbidities place a huge burden on patients and society. Obesity is estimated to add $3,559 annually (adjusted to 2012 dollars) to per-patient medical expenditures as compared to patients who do not have obesity; this includes $1,372 each year for inpatient services, $1,057 for outpatient services, and $1,130 for prescription drugs.
