New Wellmark report links obesity, high-cost health conditions
BUSINESS RECORD STAFF Oct 25, 2016 | 8:14 pm
1 min read time
350 wordsAll Latest News, Health and WellnessMore Iowans than ever are obese, and it’s a contributing factor to the most costly health conditions in the state, according to a new report from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
The report, “The Health of Iowans,” reviewed the five most costly chronic health conditions for Wellmark members, using Wellmark claims data from 2014. It found that obesity is a common, underlying factor in each the five most expensive conditions, including cancer. Because chronic diseases are very difficult to reverse, taking steps to prevent them through healthy lifestyles is critical, according to the report.
Obesity rates have drastically increased over the past 25 years — so much so that if obesity was a contagious disease, it would be considered an epidemic both in Iowa and across the country. In Iowa, nearly 31 percent of adults were obese in 2014, compared with 14 percent in 1988.
“By taking a step back and looking at how our members truly use their health insurance, we were able to identify some interesting trends,” said Becky Wampler, Wellmark’s director of health care sustainability. “The obesity link was not surprising. Our environment has changed over time to include more conveniences that have made us become more sedentary. In fact, experts suggest there are more than 50 diseases today linked to obesity.”
The top most expensive conditions that Wellmark pays claims on are:
1. Cancer.
2. Bone and joint disorders.
3. Heart conditions.
4. Digestive disorders.
5. Back pain.
The report also addresses the impact of chronic disease and the important role preventive care has in influencing positive outcomes.
The report provides resources that people can use to take action. This includes adding incremental physical activity to everyday activities, and using the resources and tools available from Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative.
“Several of the conditions in ‘The Health of Iowans’ report are considered chronic diseases that are very difficult to reverse, and prevention is key,” Wampler said. “This report is designed to inform and encourage consumers to invest the time now — a healthy lifestyle not only gives back physically, but also financially and emotionally.”
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