A new study commissioned by the California Department of Health Services found that being overweight, obese and inactive costs the state approximately $21.7 billion per year in lost productivity, lost wages and medical care.

The study also found that employers were absorbing the bulk of the costs which are then, or course, passed on to consumers.

California used to be known as one of the slimmest states in the country but the study found that that is no longer the case. More than half of all Californians are now either overweight or obese. Nationwide, the number is higher (65 percent) but the gap is closing quickly.

The study found that physical inactivity was the most expensive problem, costing the state $13.3 billion per year. Obesity cost $6.4 billion and being overweight another $2 billion. The survey was conducted in 2000 and the numbers have almost certainly gone up in the past five years according to the study's chief investigator, David Chenoweth.

Governor Schwarzenegger indicated that this is a problem that must be addressed. The former Mister Universe has submitted a number of bills to the California legislature to increase physical activity.

The study found that if California residents improved their physical activity and weight by just five percent over five years, the state would save more than $6 billion. In other words, the cost of fat is high.