Economic Impacts of Overweight and Obesity: Current and Future Estimates for Eight Countries

Abstract

Background: Obesity continues to be a growing public health challenge worldwide with significant health and economic impacts. However, much of what is known about the economic impacts of obesity comes from high-income countries and is not readily comparable. Our objective is to estimate current and future economic impacts of obesity across heterogenous contexts globally. Methods: We estimated current and future economic impacts of overweight and obesity for eight countries encompassing a range of geographies and income levels. We employed a cost-of-illness approach including direct and indirect costs from a societal perspective. Country-specific data were sourced from published studies and international databases. Findings: In per capita terms, costs of obesity in 2019 ranged from US$20 in India to US$1,364 in Australia. The average GDP loss in 2019 due to obesity across the eight countries was 2·0%, ranging from 0·9% of GDP in India to 2·8% in Saudi Arabia. By 2060, the economic losses from obesity are projected to grow to 3·9% of GDP on average ranging from 2·8% of GDP in Spain to 5·1% of GDP in Brazil. Interpretation: Our findings demonstrate that the economic impacts of obesity are substantial across countries, irrespective of economic or geographic context, and will increase over time if current trends continue. The estimated GDP loss from obesity is on par with economic losses due to tobacco in many countries. These findings strongly point to the need for advocacy to increase awareness of the societal costs of obesity, and for policy actions to reduce the systemic roots of obesity. Funding Statement: Support for this work came from World Obesity Federation funds which include an unrestricted educational grant from Novo Nordisk. Declaration of Interests: None to declare.