It's estimated that if nothing changes in our approach to public health and in how individuals take care of themselves, by 2035 there will be 126 million Americans suffering from obesity, representing almost 47% of the adult population.

And you know the price you pay for carrying around excess body weight, visceral fat, and inflammation: seriously increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, certain cancers, and a roster of other chronic diseases.

But did you know that if you're obese, you're spending $1,776 more annually on medical expenses than someone who maintains a healthy weight? And that if you're severely obese, it totals almost $3,400 more annually?

Those are the conclusions of a research letter in JAMA Network that looked at the cost of medical care for more than 700,000 privately insured people ages 18 to 64.

Over the next decade, people who are obese may spend more than $2.2 TRILLION on extra medical costs because of health issues associated with excess weight.

To help you control your weight, my former writing partner Dr. Mehmet Oz — now Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services —  the has negotiated to radically reduce the cost of the GLP weight-loss drugs.

I hope many Americans talk with their doctors about these often beneficial medications that can help people change their habits.