Obesity is a complex disease that comes with many related conditions and raises the cost of healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has become much more common around the world in recent decades. The disease can shorten the life expectancy of those affected and also places a burden on national economies.
Not just a problem of wealthy countries
For a long time, obesity was seen as a health problem of high-income countries. Studies suggest, however, that a large share of people who are overweight or have obesity now live in low- and middle-income countries. International economic institutions, including the World Bank, are drawing these countries' attention to the fast-rising numbers and the costs to be expected.
Pressure on health systems
The OECD has also looked at the economic effects of obesity and the benefits of prevention in a report. According to it, a considerable share of health spending in member countries goes on treating obesity-related conditions, and people with obesity have much higher healthcare costs than people of normal weight. Excess weight is linked to a higher risk of heart and circulation disease and type 2 diabetes.
Why the numbers are rising
As prosperity and income per person grow, the number of people with obesity often rises too. The main factors include:
- highly processed and sugary foods,
- an unbalanced diet,
- a daily life with little physical activity,
- limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
Malnutrition and obesity: two sides of one problem
A study published in the medical journal The Lancet shows that malnutrition and obesity form one shared global problem. In many low- and middle-income countries, fast food and sugary drinks are raising the risk of obesity. People who are better off, on the other hand, often move too little: even short trips are made by car, and technology means many tasks can be done without physical effort.
Effects on school and work
Obesity affects not only the individual but also society, because it lowers quality of life at school and at work.
At school
Research shows that children with severe excess weight more often do less well at school than their healthy peers. Bullying about weight can play a part in children leaving school early. Teenagers aged 12 to 19 in particular miss school more often.
At work
People with long-term obesity-related conditions are off work more often because of health problems. These conditions can also reduce their ability to work and their productivity.
More than an individual health problem
So obesity is not only a matter of personal health. Treating it can benefit those affected as well as society and the economy as a whole. You can read about treatment options under bariatric surgery.
