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Another epidemic that will prove troublesome to employers is the increasing number of obese Americans. In 1985, there was not one state in the union with a total obese population greater than 15%. Also, in 1985, healthcare costs were 10% of the total United States GDP. By 1995, obese Americans were between 15-19% of the population in more than 25 states and healthcare costs were 13.3% as a percentage of GDP. By 2005, no state had an obese population less than 15%, 14 states had an obese population of 25-29%, and in 3 states the obese population was GREATER than 30%! In 2005, healthcare costs were 15.7% as a percentage of GDP! By 2008, (most recent data) only 14 states had an obese population of 20-24% and only state, Colorado, had an obese population of 15-19%. An astounding SIX states had an obese population greater than 30%. Not surprisingly, healthcare costs were 17% as a percentage of GDP! The direct correlation between obesity and healthcare cost is evident; claims of mutual exclusivity in these events are preposterous.