Obesity costs California dearly

LOS ANGELES, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Obesity cost California more than 41 billion dollars in health care costs and lost production in 2006, according to a report released on Thursday.

There was a 33-percent rise in statewide obesity rates since the last report in 2000, said the report released by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA).

The report estimated that costs of obesity across the state could balloon to 53 billion dollars by 2011.

In Los Angeles County, the cost of obesity was nearly 12 billion dollars in 2006, said the report.

Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, director of Los Angeles County Public Health, called the numbers "staggering," saying they should be a wake-up call for residents to take steps to combat obesity and inactivity.

"Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems and even breathing problems during sleep are all associated with being very overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle," Fielding said. "Children who are obese are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and depression. This report underscores the importance of Public Health's efforts and the efforts of our community and city partners in combating obesity and physical inactivity."

The report estimated the cost of obesity in Orange County at 3.3 billion dollars and in San Diego County at 3 billion.