by Garth Meyer
A Gallup poll commissioned by Beach Cities Health District shows that residents of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach are estimated to spend $182 million less on annual healthcare costs because of lower rates of obesity, diabetes and smoking, compared to nationwide.
The three cities’ residents spend an estimated $95 million on healthcare because of obesity, diabetes and smoking. By contrast, if these local factors were consistent with national rates,
the expenditure would be $277 million.
The poll’s data controlled for overlap in costs regarding body mass index and diabetes.
Gallup conducted a Beach Cities mail survey last September and October, pairing the information with a national survey.
Rates in the Beach Cities for obesity show 13% of the population compared to 38% for the national average. The rate for above-weight and above-normal weight (obese combined with overweight) is 46% in the Beach Cities vs. 71% nationwide.
For diabetes, the Beach Cities rate of 5% compares to 14% for the country. Smoking is at 3% here vs. 11% nationwide. ER
