It's well known that Americans have gotten heavier over the years, such that 37.5 percent of adults were considered obese in 2009-2010 by the Centers for Disease Control. This higher weight adds to the chances of an individual having hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancer and other health problems. Likewise, the Baby Boomers are aging at a rapid rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers 55 or older numbered 28 million in 2008—and by 2018 that number was expected to grow to 40 million.

So what does weight plus age get us? Overweight older workers who, when injured on or off the job, are often out for a greater length of time due to these two factors.

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