Shedding a few pounds might save you a few bucks.
If you drop from overweight to the normal range, you'll pay $21 less per month for health insurance on average, according to eHealthInsurance. Go from obese to a normal weight and you'll save about $57 a month.
Just as with quitting smoking, your exact dollar savings will depend on your gender, starting weight and insurance carrier, says McLean. But on average:
- For a woman, moving the needle from overweight to normal weight will save about $31 each month in premiums or $372 annually. Going from obese to a normal weight will save about $41 a month or $492 annually.
- For a man, going from overweight to the normal range will net about $29 a month or $348 annually. Going from obese to a normal weight will save about $44 a month or $528 annually.
The money you save going from overweight to a healthy range could buy a megapixel digital camera, a stylish leather jacket or about two months' worth of free health insurance.