Rising levels of obesity are set to cost the world economy 3.3% of GDP by 2060, slowing development in lower-income countries. This also makes it hard for people to lead healthy lives.
Globally, nearly two in three adults are now living with overweight and obesity. An AMJ Global Health report projects that this will be three in four adults by 2060.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
Currently it costs 2.2% of global GDP, and the biggest increases are expected to be seen in lower-resourced countries. China, the US and India are projected to experience the highest impact in absolute terms – costing the countries US$10 trillion, US$2.5 trillion and US$850 billion, respectively. As a proportion of the economy, the worst impacted countries are set to include the UAE, where obesity would account for 11% of GDP, and Trinidad and Tobago at 10.2%.
Population and economic growth are the primary drivers of obesity prevalence – as countries increase their incomes, they experience changes in diet to highly processed foods. In rich nations, ageing populations are also a major factor as older people find it harder to lose weight.
The report stressed the economic costs of high weight and obesity “are not attributable to individual behaviour” but rather a consequence of social and commercial priorities shaping environments. As such, responsibility for tackling the issues lies with those in power. Better labelling, counselling, drug treatment and taxing processed foods high or higher will help.
Reference:
Rising obesity projected to hamper developing economies, AFP/FMT, 21 September 2021
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