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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate obesity-related costs and body mass index (BMI) as a cost predictor among privately insured employees by industry. METHODS: Individuals with/without obesity were identified using the Optum Health Reporting and Insights employer claims database (January, 2010 to March, 2017). Direct/indirect costs were reported per-patient-per-year (PPPY). Multivariate models were used to estimate the association between obesity and high costs (more than or equal to 80th percentile) by industry. RESULTS: Overall (N = 86, 221), direct and absenteeism/disability cost differences between class I obesity (BMI 30. 0 to 34. 9) and reference were 1, 775 and 617 PPPY, respectively (P < 0. 05). Among employees with obesity (BMI more than or equal to 30), highest total costs were observed in the government/education/religious services, food/entertainment services, and technology industries. Class I obesity increased the odds of high costs (more than or equal to 80th percentile) within each industry (odds ratios vs reference = 1. 09-5. 17). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity (BMI more than or equal to 30) was associated with high costs among employees of major US industries.
Ramasamy et al. (Mon,) studied this question.