Obesity in the United States costs an estimated $270 billion per year, according to a new study.

Overweight individuals have a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29, while obese individuals have a BMI over 30.

A new study says obesity in the US and Canada costs $300 billion a year.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Tobyotter

In its report released this week, the Society of Actuaries examined the economic costs of both obesity and being overweight related to the loss of economic productivity and an increased need for medical care. The SOA found obesity costs Canada $30 billion a year.

"There is substantial evidence that overweight and obesity are becoming world-wide epidemics, and are having negative impacts on health and mortality," said actuary Don Behan in an SOA release. "As actuaries, we are working with the insurance industry to help incentivize consumers through their health plan design to focus on health and wellness, which will hopefully help curb the weight and health problems we face today."

Researchers reviewed almost 500 research articles published between 1980 and 2009 on obesity as it is related to mortality and morbidity to reach their conclusions.

Juliana Keeping is a health and environment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter