Obesity has long been a source for health problems, but new data shows the epidemic is also taking a heavy toll on wallets.

According to eHealth data, policyholders in the obese BMI category pay an average monthly premium 22.6 percent higher than those in the normal BMI category ($164 compared to $201). For men, it's an even heftier toll: The average monthly premium paid by men in the obese category ($187) is 30.8 percent higher than the average premium paid by men in the normal category ($143).

And smokers don't have it easy, either.  The average monthly premium for smokers is 14 percent higher than non-smokers.

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Consumer Driven Health Care