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This paper uses the travel cost method and regression model to evaluate the benefits of ameliorating metabolic-syndrome-related diseases in Taiwan. Data from the "Ditmanson Medical Foundation Cha-Yi Christian Hospital" and National Health Insurance (NHI) are used for the empirical analysis. The results show that if we can ameliorate risk factors such as hypertension, cholesterol and overweight among metabolic-syndrome-related diseases sufferers so that the risk levels are no higher than level found in the general population, the benefits of ameliorating disease are that the cost of medical service can be reduced NT$ 3.341,$0.794 and$1.464 billion, then add economic benefits NT$12.454,$2.983 and $5.489 billion respectively in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of Cigarette and Liquor Consumption and Dietary Habits and sociodemographic variables on medical expenditure for People in Taiwan. Data from the "Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors two Township Study" project and NHI are used for the empirical analysis. The results show that if a patient with smoking or drinking habit can give up smoking or drinking, the costs of medical services would decrease NT $1, 506 and NT$3, 016 every year, respectively. If a patient can ameliorate dietary habits from refuse nothing type to normal diet type, absorb tonic type and low calorie type then his or her costs of medical services would decrease NT $2, 586, NT $269 and NT$2, 659 every year, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]