Dutch study: Preventing Obesity and Smoking Saves Lives -- But Costs Big Bucks

A study  published in the online Public Library of Science Medicine Journal analyzes the affects of smoking and obesity on a person's length of life and in turn their cost on the health care system and found that thin, healthy people cost the system MORE money. In an interview with the lead researcher, the Wall Street Journal Article quoted the following

Preventing obesity and smoking can save lives, but it doesn't save money, according to a Dutch study that counters the common perception that preventing obesity would save governments millions of dollars. 

'It was a small surprise,' said Pieter van Baal, an economist at the Netherlands' National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, who led the study. 'But it also makes sense. If you live longer, then you cost the health system more.'

'We are not recommending that governments stop trying to prevent obesity,' Mr. van Baal said. 'But they should do it for the right reasons.'"

What might the "right reasons" be?  The study is based on data from the Netherlands? Should that deter the United States from funding programs that prevent obesity, when we have the highest obesity rate in the world?  Should it deter us from regulating the food industry in order to prevent obesity?

Link to the original study to read more.

Thank you to William Mitchell College of Law student Jenna Powers for preparing this post.