If you're overweight, you may already have a few reasons for wanting to lose weight. You might want to shop in regular clothing stores, feel more attractive, and have more energy. Losing weight can improve your health, too. As if these reasons weren't enough motivation, the effects of obesity on your life insurance policy can also inspire you to lose a few pounds.
Why Obesity Affects Life Insurance Rates
Life insurance is based on your risk of dying; insurers consider health factors that increase the chance of earlier mortality. For more on how insurers evaluate that risk, see How life insurance quotes are determined.
- Heart disease.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Asthma.
- Sleep apnea.
- Liver disease.
- Stroke.
Are You Overweight?
Being as little as 10 pounds over your ideal weight increases your health risks, which can make life insurance more expensive and keep you out of a preferred policy class. About two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. You can estimate whether you are overweight using a BMI calculator by entering your height and weight; a BMI over 30 is considered obese.
Make Modest Lifestyle Changes to Lose Weight
Crash diets are not fun and they don't work long term. For lasting weight loss, focus on small changes you can sustain that reduce calories and add modest activity.
- Grab fruit instead of cookies for dessert.
- Have raw cut vegetables for a crunchy snack instead of potato chips.
- Serve yourself smaller portions.
- Drink water instead of soda.
- Go for a walk after dinner.
- Choose lean meats and cut skin off of chicken before cooking it.
These small changes can help you lose weight and get healthier. You'll feel better and look better, and you may be rewarded with lower life insurance rates; for snack ideas and tips, see Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss and Insurance Savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does being overweight change my life insurance premium?
Insurers factor health risks like obesity into underwriting, so higher weight can raise premiums or move you into a lower policy class.
Will losing a few pounds lower my rates?
Losing weight and improving health markers can qualify you for better rates at your next underwriting review or when you apply for a new policy.
What measurements do insurers use to judge obesity?
Underwriters commonly use body mass index (BMI) alongside medical exams and health history to assess risk.
Are there lifestyle changes insurers prefer to see?
Insurers look favorably on sustained, healthy changes such as improved diet, weight loss, and regular physical activity documented over time.