People are usually motivated to lose weight to improve the way they look and feel. Few people consider the high costs of being overweight. This list has 8 reasons why being overweight costs you more money. All together you could save as much as $500 a month by losing weight and getting in shape.

Most of these points are based on the understanding that there are health consequences to being overweight. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has a short list of these consequences and heath risks.

The risks are:
1. Heart Disease
2. Diabetes
3. Cancer
4. High Blood Pressure
5. Dyslipidemia
6. Stroke
7. Live or Gallbladder disease
8. Sleep apnea
9. Osteoarthritis
10. Gynecological problems

Understanding the health consequences of being overweight makes it easier to understand how being overweight can cost you money.

1. Frequent Dr. visits

The increase in health risks means you are more likely to go to the doctor. More visits to the doctor means more of those $10 or $25 co pays. They add up fast and make a big impact on anyone’s finances. You will also be at a higher risk of needing surgery at some point in your life. Insurance usually requires you to pay for part of the surgery out of your own pocket.

2. Higher health insurance

You should expect to pay more for health insurance if you are overweight. The Insurance company knows that you are a higher risk and they will want you to pay a higher premium. Many companies that provide insurance have considered charging their employees more for being overweight.

3. Prescriptions

This goes along with the 10 consequences of being overweight. The more likely you are to be sick, the more likely you are to need prescriptions.

4. Higher life insurance

When you go for life insurance the insurance provider will ask you a lot of questions. You feel like you were interviewed by the FBI when you are done. One of the first questions they will ask you is “what is your height and weight.” If you are overweight you will pay higher life insurance premiums.

5. Gas

Here’s one you might not have thought of before. The more you weigh, the more you will pay at the pump. How much more? You might be able to save 1% on gas by losing weight.

6. Food

Food is a big one. Junk food and extra food are the first wasteful items that get eliminated. Cutting out drinks like soda and alcohol will save you hundreds of dollars. When you eat less, you pay less.

7. Career

Like it or not, people are judged by their appearance. When you go to an interview the interviewer sums you up in their mind in the first few seconds. Your appearance has a lot to do with their judgment. It’s a hard truth, but having those extra pounds gives off the appearance that you do not manage yourself well. It also makes it more difficult to get promoted at your current job.

8. Time is money

Exercising gives you more energy while sitting around does not. Losing weight will give you more energy and make you more productive with your time. Time equals money so the point is: More time, More money.