Being overweight is killing us

35 percent of the population of the United States is now considered "obese."

Iowa City wellness expert Drew Bossen says that's not just an interesting figure--it's a sign that we're heading towards a terrible health problem.  That's because obesity is the sdtrongest predictor of having health problems--and our health care costs are already out of control.

Bossen spoke Wednesday to around 50 people at the Hotel Winneshiek, touching on the ways that employers can encourage their employees to become healthier.  That's important because medical costs are nearly six times higher for obese people than they are for normal people.

Bossen says the number one cure for health problems is exercise.  He says since businesses have the most money at risk from having unhealthy employees, they are leading the way in encouraging people to exercise more.  That doesn't need to be a lot of exercise, either--he says 30 minutes a day of walking would be a great help.

Bossen says employers are becoming more committed to improving the health of their employees because "a shift is taking place."  He says a commitment to exercise won't pay off immediately, but companies will see returns in 5-10 years.