Study shows increase in U.S. population living with more than one chronic illness

WASHINGTON The number of people in the United States with multiple chronic diseases has increased, according to a study released Tuesday.

The study, published in the journal Health Affairs, found that the increase in chronic diseases has resulted in a large rise in out-of-pocket medical expenditures, from $427 annually per person to $741 in 2005, or a 39 percent increase.

According to the study, the increase in chronic diseases has resulted in the increase in sedentary lifestyles and obesity. The percentage of people with three or more chronic diseases has increased as well, from 13 percent in 1996 to 22 percent in 2005 among Americans aged 45 to 64.