American Obesity is Costing us 487 Billion Dollars

If each American suddenly slimmed down to a healthy weight, the country would be $487 billion richer, reports MSN Money. Among other gains, we could save $5 billion in fuel costs (airlines would be profitable); $10 billion on plus-size clothing; $81 billion from the extra food we need to maintain our massive weight; $141 billion on health care; and $257 billion in lost productivity.

Obesity also costs us in the form of bigger doorways, wider seats and stronger furniture according to the MSN report.

Obesity even damages the environment. The fuel, food and other costs noted above lead to carbon emissions, fertilizing the land and other practices that aren't so good for nature (at least in the quantity and frequency we apply them).

On top of all that, slimmer people tend to be paid more, have better jobs, sleep better and have better sex.

My fellow Americans, let's loose weight, okay? Tons of it.