Will Obesity Shorten Life Expectancy?

March 17, 2005 -- -- Life expectancy in the United States is at an all-time high, according to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Deaths from heart disease, cancer and diabetes are down, the agency reports, contributing to an average life expectancy of 77.6 years for Americans. The Social Security Administration has even predicted a substantial rise in life expectancy in the 21st century.

But some health experts are not optimistic. An article released today in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that life expectancy in the United States may actually decrease because of obesity.

"Obesity is like a tsunami heading to the U.S.," said Dr. David S. Ludwig, pediatric endocrinologist at the Harvard School of Medicine in Boston and contributing author of the article.

"Our goal for this article is to make people aware that we all have underestimated the negative impact of obesity," said S. Jay Olshansky, epidemiologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and lead author.

Extensive studies of obesity and its effects on mortality have shown that those with increased weight, or a Body Mass Index greater than 25, have increased death rates from heart disease.

Annually, Americans are spending between $70 billion and $100 billion on health care, largely to cover treatment for obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, according to the article's authors.

Children are also feeling the effects of obesity -- an increasing number are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. The rise in disability and decline in fitness level among children have been attributed, in part, to obesity.

As a result, these youths may live shorter lives than their parents.

The Social Security Administration has predicted that the anticipated rise in life expectancy may also contribute to the bankruptcy of Social Security funds.