Almost everyone has heard the phrase, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” famously attributed to Ben Franklin.

But money isn’t the only thing we’re taxed on.

There’s another kind of tax we pay—the cost of not being healthy.

When we’re out of shape or carrying extra weight, we say no to the things we’d rather say yes to. We skip the pool with our kids. We turn down the camping trip with friends. We avoid helping with firewood or spending a day in a tree stand. Jogging is out because our knees hurt. Weightlifting? Nope, the back’s acting up again. Cutting carbs? Too tired already.

These are physical taxes—the toll our bodies pay. But even that’s not the heaviest burden.

There are also the monetary costs of being unhealthy:

1. Medical Expenses

Even in countries with public healthcare like Canada, being unhealthy often leads to:

• Prescription medications (for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.)
• Medical supplies (like CPAP machines for sleep apnea, glucose monitors, etc.)
• Non-covered services like physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic care, or mental health therapy.
• Dental bills, especially if diet or lifestyle leads to issues like gum disease or tooth decay.

2. Insurance Costs

• Life insurance premiums tend to be higher if you’re overweight or have health issues.
• Disability insurance may be more expensive or harder to get.
• Some private health insurance plans can also charge more or deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

3. Missed Work and Lost Income

• Sick days add up. Frequent illness or chronic conditions can mean more time off work.
• Reduced productivity if you’re tired, in pain, or mentally foggy.
• In more severe cases, job loss or career limitations if health issues make it hard to perform or advance.

4. Food and Lifestyle Spending

• Convenience foods and takeout often cost more than home-cooked meals—but we reach for them when we’re tired or don’t feel up to cooking.
• Frequent snacking, binge eating, or emotional eating can rack up grocery bills.
• Trying to “fix” health problems with fad diets, supplements, or gimmicks that don’t work long term.

5. Transportation and Mobility

• If walking, biking, or taking public transit isn’t comfortable or practical due to health issues, you’re more likely to drive everywhere—which means more money spent on gas, parking, and car maintenance.

6. Clothing and Equipment

• People with fluctuating or larger body sizes may need to buy clothes more frequently.
• Sometimes, specialty gear (orthopedic shoes, larger sizes, supportive furniture) comes at a premium.

7. Long-Term Financial Impact

• Poor health in middle age or earlier can mean early retirement or forced time off, reducing long-term income and pension contributions.
• Higher risk of costly health emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, or hospitalizations later in life.

But the worst tax? The mental one.

When we feel self-conscious about our bodies or fitness, we hesitate to start. We don’t want to be the beginner. We don’t want to fail. We don’t want to be watched, judged, or pitied.

Starting a new diet feels like an announcement. We brace for comments: “Good for you,” from those who know we need it. Or worse—“You don’t need to do that,” when they know we probably do. Maybe even an eye-roll, because we’ve tried before and didn’t stick with it.

Returning to a gym, a sport, or a fitness class after a break? Brutal. We know we’ll be the slowest. It’s going to hurt. And we’re afraid of looking foolish.

Yes, we all pay taxes to the government. But those physical and mental taxes? We put those on ourselves.

Here’s the truth:
No one cares if you’re slow.
No one cares if you finish last.
No one cares if you fall off your diet and start again.

People are too busy thinking about their own lives, their own struggles. That’s their tax. And many of us are overpaying.

You’re taxed enough already.

Stop letting fear and shame take more from you. Forget about appearances. Focus on what actually makes you feel good—and do more of that.

We can’t help with the taxes to the government, but we can reduce all the other taxes in your life. Find out how we can help here.