Minnesota's Obesity Could Cost an Extra $3.7 billion by 2020

“ If obesity in Minnesota continues to rise it could cost the state an additional $900 million annually by 2010, and $3.7 billion more annually by 2020. The information comes from a study released today by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health. Right now, roughly $10 billion is spent in Minnesota on healthcare for adults; 6 percent of the money goes toward obesity. According to the study, 23 percent of Minnesotans fall into the obese category now, and if left unchecked that number will rise to 31 percent by 2020.”