Fat people cheaper to treat, study says

More reasons not to treat the overweight/obese.

"The results counter the common perception that preventing obesity will save health systems worldwide millions of dollars."

Clearly, no more money should be spent "preventing obesity" as its prevention is known with certainty. If you are overweight, a condition precedent to obesity, do not eat more Calories than you burn.

Similarly, the absolute fix for overweight and obesity is known.

Consume fewer Calories than you burn.

Better to spend the bucks on the healthier, more productive, more socially responsible, less child-abusing members of society.

"Preventing obesity and smoking can save lives, but it doesn't save money, researchers reported Monday. It costs more to care for healthy people who live years longer, according to a Dutch study that counters the common perception that preventing obesity would save governments millions of dollars."

Note the not-fat cost more since "It costs more to care for healthy people who live years longer."

BUT, "It is well established in the U.S. that obese individuals cost more than normal weight individuals at each age of life. " See here and here.

Treating the fat does not "save lives." It extends the lives of those who have given themselves diseases of choice.

What it does do is shorten the lives of those who have illnesses, like some cancers, whose cause is uncertain, by diverting money that could otherwise be spent on meaningful research.