- Background
Prevalence of obesity has increased in both adults and children which has caused a societal health concern as obesity has been linked to increases in risk of many diseases/health conditions including but not limited to: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. News and other media reports indicate obesity levels within the population will continue to rise until people fully understand the serious health implications. A better comprehension of the implications of the obesity problem on mortality and morbidity as well as the associated financial costs of this problem would also help actuaries and insurers project future mortality and morbidity for pricing, valuation, and other purposes.
- Purpose
The purpose of this project is to assemble published peer-reviewed reports and analyze statistical data and models related to the increasing obesity levels and its relation to childhood and adult illnesses. Three steps are necessary to accomplish this: First, review and evaluate relevant research studies previously published. Second, using the data from the previously published studies, design, plan and execute a study that relates obesity to the risk of childhood and adult illnesses and estimate the associated financial cost. Third, communicate the findings of the study and its actuarial relevance through a written report giving proper credit to the previously published reports.
- Research Objective
The objective for part one is to perform a literature review providing a general overview of the research that has already been completed on this topic. The goal is to find and review documented evidence linking negative health effects to children and adult obesity levels, and where available the associated costs of these negative health effects.
The objective for part two is using the available information, identify build levels that will cause statistically significant increased risk of medical problems, treatment, hospitalization and/or death. Using the determined build levels and probabilities of developing medical problems, estimate the financial costs associated with the increased risk. An example might be lost wages due to illness, increased medical costs, or other metric(s).
The objective for part three is to compile the findings from parts one and two into a report regarding the actuarial/statistical importance of these findings. Specifically, the report should include data that describes expected increases in medical, life, and related insurance and societal costs due to obesity.
This Request For Proposals is addressed to all professionals knowledgeable in the subject matter. Researcher(s) are not required to be actuaries or members of the Society of Actuaries to respond.
Collaboration among researchers from many disciplines in addressing the project objectives is encouraged.
- Proposal
To facilitate the evaluation of proposals, the following information should be submitted:
- Resumes of the researcher(s), including any graduate student(s) expected to participate, indicating how their background, education, and experience bear on their qualifications to undertake the research. If more than one researcher is involved, a single individual should be designated as the lead researcher and primary contact. The person submitting the proposal must be authorized to speak on behalf of all the researchers as well as for the firm or institution on whose behalf the proposal is submitted.
- An outline of the approach to be used, emphasizing issues that require special consideration. Details should be given regarding the techniques to be used, collateral material to be consulted, and possible limitations of the analysis.
- Cost estimates for the research, including computer time, salaries, report preparation, research costs, etc. Such estimates can be in the form of hourly rates, but in such cases, time estimates should also be included.
Any guarantees as to total cost should be given and will be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. While cost will be a factor in the evaluation of the proposal, it will not necessarily be the decisive factor.
- A schedule for completion of the research, identifying key dates or time frames for research completion and report submissions.
- Ideas regarding the form and distribution of the final report, both for immediate release and for permanent reference (e.g., submission to North American Actuarial Journal or other refereed publication, SOA Monograph Series, CD ROM).
- Other related factors that give evidence of a proposer's capabilities to perform in a superior fashion should be detailed.
- Selection Process
The Committee on Life Insurance Research (CLIR) is responsible for the selection of the proposal to be funded. Input from other knowledgeable individuals also may be sought, but CLIR will make the final decision. The SOA's Research Actuary will provide staff actuarial support. A Project Oversight Group (POG) will be appointed by CLIR to work closely with the researcher or research team and oversee the project upon selection of the proposal.
- Questions
Any questions regarding this RFP should be directed by fax, or e–mail to: Ronora Stryker, SOA Research Actuary (f: 847.273.8514).
- Notification of Intention to Submit Proposal
If you intend to submit a proposal, please send written notification by October 31, 2007 to Jan Schuh, SOA Research Administrator, f (847.273.8556), or mail to the Society of Actuaries, 475 N. Martingale Road, Suite 600, Schaumburg, IL 60173–2226.
- Submission of Proposal
Please e–mail a copy of the proposal to: Jan Schuh.
Proposals must be received no later than November 15, 2007. It is anticipated that all researchers who have submitted proposals will be informed of the status of their proposal no later than December 31, 2007.
Note: Proposals are considered confidential and proprietary.
- Conditions
The Society of Actuaries reserves the right to not award a contract for this research. Reasons for not awarding a contract could include, but are not limited to, a lack of acceptable proposals or a finding that insufficient funds are available to proceed. The Society of Actuaries also reserves the right to redirect the project as is deemed advisable.
The Society of Actuaries intends to copyright and publish the results of this research. The research will be considered work–for–hire and all rights thereto belong to the Society of Actuaries. However, appropriate credit will be given to the researcher(s).