Could Your Weight-Loss Expenses Be Tax Deductible?

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Obesity and its medical complications are an expensive problem in the United States. Because the costs continue to rise, the government is offering tax incentives to entice people to lose weight. At this time of year when you're thinking about improving your health and also filing tax returns, why not do something that can benefit both?

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control, obesity-related medical costs could be as high as $147 million annually. The CDC also reports that "The proportion of all annual medical costs that are due to obesity increased from 6.5 percent in 1998 to 9.1 percent in 2006." Since 2002, the government has been offering tax incentives to help combat these rising expenses.

If you are losing weight to treat a medical condition (obesity is considered a medical condition), you can deduct certain items from your taxable income. If you itemize your taxes, some examples of things you can deduct include: initial fees to join a weight loss program (which you likely won't have since you're a member of SparkPeople, which is free :), bariatric surgery, visits to a dietitian and behavior counseling. Although you can't deduct things like a gym membership or home exercise equipment, it's still good to be aware in case you incur expenses that could give you a tax break.

Financial incentives are one thing that motivates people to lose weight. Whether its tax savings, winning the weight loss "pool" at the office, or financial benefits from your employer, money is motivational. But is it a tool for lasting success? Are people likely to stick with their healthy habits when the taxes are done or the competition at work is over?

Have financial incentives ever helped you make a permanent lifestyle change? Have you ever deducted any weight loss items from your income taxes?