How Does Obesity Affect Health Insurance Premiums?

Everything is easily accessible in the modern world, with just a tap of a finger, the travel for work only happens on the keyboard, and people have few reasons to stay in good shape, so it is pretty difficult to avoid becoming obese. Obesity prevalence in India varies according to age, gender, geographical environment, socioeconomic status, and other factors. According to the 2015 ICMR-INDIAN study, the prevalence of obesity and central obesity ranges from 11.8% to 31.3% and 16.9% to 36.3%, respectively. In layperson's terms, 3 out of 10 individuals in India are obese. 

Obesity is a complex disease diagnosed by an excess of body fat. It is more than just an issue of how someone looks. It is a clinical condition which raises the risk of developing other disorders and health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, certain cancers and many more.

Losing weight is not easy as it sounds, and there can be various reasons behind this challenging condition. Obesity doesn't have just one cause. It is usually a result of a combination of inherited, physiological, and environmental factors and dietary, physical activity, and exercise choices. It can also add up challenges to one personal and professional life. Hence one should always look forward to staying fit as it doesn't just have health benefits but also has some advantages on health insurance premiums. 

Health insurance policies assist people in dealing with large medical bills and receiving the best possible treatment. However, studies have shown that overweight people pay higher premiums for their health insurance policies than those who are not obese or overweight. 

It is critical to disclose all personal information when purchasing health insurance. Insurers may charge a higher premium based on the risks. However, the chances of your claim being rejected are lower when you file it. Failure to disclose any personal information or health details at the time of purchase may result in the cancellation of the policy.

Why Does Obesity Affect the Premium Rates?

An obese individual needs more medical attention compared to a fit person. If obesity is morbid, then one might also need bariatric surgery. Hence usually, it is covered in the policies cover it as well as shooting up the premium rates. As discussed earlier, obesity can lead to various bodily dysfunctions. So they may need health insurance riders for specific diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. This automatically increases the premium amount.

Common Health Issues due to Obesity

Obesity is caused by various factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, genetic conditions, etc. A sedentary lifestyle has been the primary cause of obesity in recent years. In simple words, people who eat a lot of unhealthy food and do not engage in physical activity are susceptible to obesity. Obesity, as previously stated, is thought to be the root cause of a variety of diseases. Obesity is linked to a variety of conditions, including the following:

• Diabetes is the most common condition associated with obesity. Obesity causes fluctuations in a person's glucose levels, which affects insulin production to regulate glucose levels.
• Another significant condition linked to obesity is high blood pressure. When there is an excess of fat tissue in the body, the blood vessels must increase pressure to deliver oxygen and nutrients to these tissues. Hypertension is caused by additional strain on the arteries and blood vessels.
• Obesity and cardiovascular disease go hand in hand. The significant increase in body fat will cause fat to accumulate in arteries. This causes artery narrowing and reduces blood flow to various body parts. More strain on the arteries and a lack of blood may result in cardiac arrest.
• People who carry extra weight in their bodies frequently experience knee and hip joint problems. The extra body weight strains the joints and causes pain when moving.
• Stroke is frequently caused by high cholesterol and blood pressure. Obesity raises the risk of stroke by putting extra strain on the blood vessels. High blood vessel strain can sometimes result in a blockage and a stroke.
• Obesity is also linked to other health problems, including respiratory problems, angina, and sleep apnea.

Motivation to Lose Weight

Health insurance policies with higher premium amounts may motivate you to lose weight. For example, if you have to pay a high premium because your BMI exceeds your insurer's BMI range, you will undoubtedly have a strong incentive to exercise and lose weight. Sure, you'll have to pay a hefty premium for a while, but once you lose weight, that amount can be reduced.

Purchasing your insurance through online portals can save you a good amount on your premiums. Health insurance companies use their methods to calculate the risks associated with higher weight and determine the insurance premium, which is why the premium amount differs between companies. Therefore, it is recommended that people do so before applying for one.

Conclusion

Obesity can affect one's life as a whole, so it is always better, whether in personal or professional life. One might feel heavy on the weighing scale, but their pockets will definitely be lighter. Hence one should move towards a healthier lifestyle, to not just save a few bucks on the premium but also to have a better lifestyle.