More than half of Americans suffer from one or more chronic diseases, an economic burden that cost the economy more than $1 trillion a year. That figure could rise to nearly $6 trillion by mid-century, according to a study from the Milken Institute (An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease). The rising rate of chronic disease is a crucial, but often ignored contributor to the rising cost of healthcare. And, according to Milken, much of the cost is largely avoidable. The research institute argues that investment in good health is an investment in economic growth. It also said the nation will need to renew its commitment to achieving “healthy body weight.”


The Economic Impact of Chronic Disease, 2003