Cost of obesity-related illnesses expected to rise in Utah

Estimates show that the cost of treating obesity-related illnesses in Utah could jump from the $485 million spent in 2008 to $2.4 billion in 2018.

In Utah, about 10 percent of elementary kids are considered obese. More than 60 percent of adults in the state are considered overweight or obese.

The "Utah Health Status Updated: Economic impact of obesity" report, from the state's health department, says obesity is related to many chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, asthma and some cancers.

Read more at KSL.com.