Obese children have a 60% higher healthcare cost

An Australian study has found that obese children aged two to five have a 60% higher healthcare cost than their healthy weight counterparts. The article, published in Obesity, is one of the first to directly compare the healthcare costs of obesity in preschool children when compared to those of a normal weight. The study included 350 children in total, and found that obese children were also 2-3 times more likely to require hospital admission. Commonly these children were being admitted for ear, nose and throat problems, as well as respiratory disorders.

The researchers are hoping to highlight the fact that whilst childhood obesity has a huge impact on the health of a child, there are also economic impacts that may have previously been overlooked. Worldwide, it is thought that around 6.9% of children are obese, but in wealthier countries this number is far higher, with 23% of Australian children suffering from overweight and obesity. It has been shown before that obesity tracks into adulthood, and this can cause further health problems, but this study serves to highlight that the economic impact should not be ignored, and healthcare funders should take this information into account.