Rising rates of obesity will cost the global economy 3.3% of GDP by 2060, largely holding back the growth of low-income countries, according to a report released today.

The results of the report, published in the scientific journal BMJ Global Health, provide the first global assessment of the economic impact obesityincluding options for each country.

This disease, defined when an adult body mass index exceeds 30, can cause heart problems, diabetes, and even cancer.

Globally, “nearly two-thirds of adults are currently overweight or obese. And we expect that figure to reach three out of four adults by 2060,” lead author of the report Rachel Nugent said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Obesity currently costs 2.2% of global GDP. The largest increase is expected in countries with fewer resources.

China, the United States and India have recorded the highest spending in absolute terms, estimated at $10 trillion. dollars, 2.5 trillion dollars and 850 billion dollars respectively annually until 2060.

However, relative to their economies, among the countries that will be hit the hardest by rising costs are the United Arab Emirates, where obesity will cost 11% of GDP, and Trinidad and Tobago (10.2%).

The report analyzes both direct costs (medical care) and indirect costs (premature death, loss of productivity…).

The growth of the population and the economy of the country are the main reasons for the prevalence of obesity. As countries get richer, their citizens’ diets are changing to include more processed foods.

In some countries, the aging of the population also plays an important role, as it is more difficult for older people to lose weight.

According to Francesco Branca of the World Health Organization, there are several possible solutions. “Prices have increased for foods that are more conducive to obesity, such as foods with fat or sugar,” he explained.

Other measures: product labeling to better inform consumers, better prevention and access to treatment.

The report emphasizes that the economic costs associated with obesity are “not due to the behavior of individuals”, but mainly to the influence of social and commercial priorities.

“We need to recognize that obesity is a complex disease (…) and stop blaming individuals, stop stigmatizing,” concluded Simon Barker of the Research Center for Health and Nutrition in Mexico.

Source: RES-EMI