Considering the money needed for medical care, disability and loss of productivity, obesity is costing Americans roughly $270 billion a year, according to a study from the Society of Actuaries.

The group estimates the total economic cost of overweight (BMI between 25.0 – 29.9) and obesity (BMI of more than 30) in the U.S. and Canada reaches $300 billion per year, with 90 percent of the total – $270 billion – attributed to the U.S.

"We found substantial evidence that overweight and obesity are becoming world-wide epidemics, and are having negative impacts on health and mortality," said actuary Don Behan, FSA, FCA, MAAA and independent consulting actuary. "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."