Obese Americans have smaller paychecks than those who arent overweight, according to researchers from George Washington University. And the difference is particularly prominent in women.

Obesity has long been a source for health problems, but new data shows the epidemic is also taking a heavy toll on wallets.

The outlook for the U.S. health insurance and managed care sectors remains stable, Fitch Ratings announced.

With consumers looking for ways to save wherever they can in todays economy, here are five tips from UnitedHealthcares Golden Rule Insurance Company to help individuals and families shopping for their own health insurance for 2012.

Increases in obesity, diabetes and children in poverty are offsetting improvements in smoking cessation, preventable hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths, according to the United Health Foundations 2011 Americas Health Rankings.

Workers think more about insuring their homes or cars than they do about providing for their families after a death or disabling injury. The result is a workforce underinsured for both life and disability protection.

Count small businesses as those against health care reform. A survey by Newtek Business Services finds 90 percent of small business owners dont plan on purchasing health insurance from the government.

Employers are still torn on how they will respond to health care reform, but a survey from GfK Custom Research North America says most are, at the very least, skeptical of its potential.