Connection between Health & Wealth article -  Dr. Mehmet Oz, Ms. Suze Orman episode further concurred a Stanford Study conduced by Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., PhD.

Is There A Health/Wealth Connection to Fat/Debt? Ask Dr. Oz  

Is there a connection between health and wealth, fat and debt?  Dr. Oz and Suze Orman weigh in on the burdensome aspects of this relationship.

The logical answer to questions about whether there is a connection between health and wealth or fat and debt was put forward recently on an episode of The Doctor Oz Show, featuring guest Suze Orman.  Orman, a successful financial consultant, author and talk show host, joined with Dr. Mehmet Oz to explain how a recent Stanford University study linked the two problems together.

The study, “Economics of Obesity,” was conducted by Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., PhD., in May, 2010.  Dr. Bhattacharya has published numerous studies on the relationship between weight and economics.  Dr. Oz and Ms. Orman demonstrated the relationship between health and wealth and fat and debt with three female guests, each who had elevated BMI levels and were in debt from $20,000 to $40,000. 

After some questions were asked, it became evident that the women were, in fact, hiding the facts of their problems from themselves and others.  The audience was also tested and had their FICO credit scores calculated, showing again the relationship that exists between overweight and wealth.  Over 41% of the audience registered poor FICO scores in the range between 560-659, a total of 59% were overweight or obese, and their BMI average was 27.  With BMI calculations, points above 25 indicate overweight.  Only 26% of the audience had excellent FICO scores between 720 and 850. 

The study from Stanford University showed that on average, overweight individuals earn $3.41 per hour less than normal weight persons, or $7000 per year less.  Other costs related to obesity include higher medical expenses, greater impact by diabetes and heart disease, income losses, and higher rates of bankruptcy due to medical costs.  Ms. Orman related the stress of financial woes leading to overeating, and a reverse effect of spending too much to compensate for being overweight and under stress.  As weight goes up, so does credit card debt for many persons.  Another important factor related to both debt and overweight is that the person affected not only hides the truth of their situation from themselves, but also from others. 

Ms. Orman, a recognized financial expert, and Dr. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, have put together a 4-step plan for successful management of wealth/health and fat/debt problems. In brief, the four steps include the following tactics:

1. Write down all expenses and all food that is eaten.

2. Make changes in very slow, small increments.

3. Cut up credit cards, but do not close accounts or that will negatively affect credit scores.  Cut out all junk food.

4. Stand in the truth to yourself and others.

There is a statistical relationship between debt load and excess weight.  Tackling both problems at once, with the same techniques can help those who are overweight and overburdened financially.  As one aspect improves, the other should statistically also show improvement.  Relief from debt lifts a load, and relief from overweight lifts the stress that can lead to overspending.

Sources:

* Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., PhD., “Economics of Obesity,” May 2010http://aic.ucdavis.edu/obesity/obesitypdf/BHATTACHARYA.pdf

 (accessed 3-30-2011)

__________________________________________________

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice