BDN Reports on UMaine Obesity, Economic Cost Projection

The Bangor Daily News reported on a new study by University of Maine economist Todd Gabe on the current and projected medical costs of obese youth in Maine. Estimated annual medical costs, excluding indirect costs such as lost work time due to weight-related afflictions, were about $452 million in 2011 and could cost as much as $1.2 billion over the course of the next 20 years if trends continue, Gabe estimates. The health website TestCountry.com posted a blog with excerpts from the Bangor Daily News article.

Contact: George Manlove, 207.581.3756