Obesity not only deadly, but costly | Weight of the Nation

There are enormous consequences in terms of shortened lifespans and billions of dollars in medical costs when it comes to the obesity epidemic. Jon Jones, a Baltimore City police homicide detective, shed about 100 pounds, saying it was a matter of life or death for him. While it may sound dramatic to some, it isn't. The extra weight doesn't have to be significant for a person of average height. People with obesity suffer from depression more often, too, and if the toll on health and well-being isn't enough, the monetary costs are high.