Should Smokers Pay A Higher Insurance Premium?
Recently, I read an article that suggested that, maybe, smokers should pay a higher premium for health insurance. I decided to do some research and see what the risk factors of smoking are. In the process of doing so, I came across some fascinating data.
Smoking and obesity (being fat) risk factors are very similiiar.
Based on my visits to many websites, these are some of the possible risk factors listed for smoking and obesity (or being overweight).
|
Cigarette Smoking
In Adults Heart Disese In Pregnant Women Low weight babies In Children |
Obesity/Being Overweight
In Adults Heart Disease In Pregnant Women Abnormalities of the baby’s growth, In Children Orthopedic Problems |
So, back to the question, should smokers pay a higher insurance premium? Or, should the same hold true for fat (obese) individuals? What do you think?
The following websites have great information on both of these issues
American Obesity Association
National Cancer Institute
American Heart Association



DL August 7th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
I so disagree with the above comment! Just as a smoker makes a choice when they light a cigarette so does the overweight/obese person make a choice when they open their mouths and insert food.
Genetics may play a small role in obesity but food comsumption is the main cause. Combine food with little or no activity and the pounds will add up quickly making it nearly impossible for any physical activity. Yes smoking does compromise a persons health and obesity does just as severe a compromise. So why should a smoker pay more than the obese person who has yet to learn how to close their mouths and go for a walk?