Description: Abstract: The percentage of the population who are obese has grown dramatically worldwide over the last several decades, although stabilizing recently in the United States. Studies have found the effects on mortality to be inconsistent and controversial because of methodological differences and the complexity of the relationship between obesity and mortality. This paper discusses this relationship and sheds light on the likely effects of this epidemic. Issues associated with the so-called obesity-mortality paradox, where mortality experience is lower for those individuals who are overweight and in some who are obese compared with the mortality of those in the normal weight category, are examined. Although certain recently reported studies of the relationship between mortality and obesity indicate that obesity is related to a reduced percent of additional mortality, this may in part be due to the shorter average time that those currently obese have been exposed to their condition. Nevertheless, the amount of health care costs and rates of disability associated with being obese are significant, contributing to the increase in overall health care costs as they become more numerous and age. Although obesity is being addressed with a great deal of activity and publicity, they will continue to prove challenging for individuals and society to manage and overcome.

Description: This 1991 panel session discussion is a progress report of the Society of Actuaries' Long-Term Care [LTC] Experience Committee. The presentation is organized around three principle areas of the Committee's activities. The first area is noninsurance company experience. The second area is the Committee's 1984-89 study of intercompany insurance experience of monoline long-term care health insurance products. The third area is the Committee's efforts to develop the experience of continuing care retirement communities [CCRCs]. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries Vol. 17, No. 3B.

Description: This paper presents recent trends in obesity prevalence in significant population segments, including overall effects by age, gender and certain racial and ethnic groups, and discusses the ways in which obesity can influence mortality in each of these segments. It provides a synthesis of reported mortality experience relating to these behaviors by risk factors and diseases that will affect any mortality projection.

Description: The effect on mortality of the reduction in smoking and the increase obesity in the U.S. is estimated based on historical and projected patterns.

Description: Lists the experience studies on mortality, morbidity and lapses that are included in this publication plus a few research reports.

Description: This graph indicates the overall historical trend in life expectancy at age 65.