The shift in global food consumption trends towards energy-dense foods combined with diminishing levels of physical activity is causing humans to gain weight and suffer more from obesity. Bringing a much higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, this issue also impacts the world economy by eliciting unhealthy patterns of economic growth.
The World Obesity Atlas study predicts that if early detection, treatment, and assistance fail to improve by 2035, over 50% of the world’s population will be overweight or suffer from obesity.
At the same time, by 2035, according to statistics, obesity and overweight will cost the world economy US$4.32 trillion, or roughly 3% of global GDP, as a result of an ongoing failure to improve prevention and treatment.
With this in mind, the World Obesity Federation suggests that national obesity action initiatives are created and implemented on a global scale.
Fig.1. Global economic impact of high body mass index (BMI≥25kg/sq. m) 2020-2035
Source: World Obesity Atlas
Obesity’s economic effects
Due to its negative effects on life expectancy, work productivity, and healthcare costs, obesity has a huge negative impact on economies around the world. Both obesity and malnutrition are highly prevalent among numerous low- and middle-income nations which creates a double burden for them.
By 2035, according to forecasts, more than 50% of all the people in the world will have a high body mass index (BMI ≥25 kg/m²). In addition, 25% of the global population will suffer from obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²).
Of particular concern is the obesity rate among children which is also growing at an alarming rate. In the next 10 years, the rate is predicted to rise by 125% among girls and by 100% among boys. If no meaningful action is taken, around 400 million children and more than 1.5 billion adults will have to deal with obesity.
Fig.2. Number of people over the age of 5 and share of the population with overweight or obesity*
Source: World Obesity Atlas
Top countries and territories with the highest obesity rates
In terms of the rate of a country’s population suffering from obesity, the World Obesity Atlas report shows that low- and lower-middle-income nations are at the top of the list. Moreover, these countries are the least equipped to react to the issue and its consequences.
In the same report, experts estimate that by 2035, the annual economic cost of overweight and obesity in these countries will be more than US$370 billion.
Data from the report reflects the statistics previously reported by the World Health Organization regarding the most obese nations on the planet. WHO stated that these countries are mainly located in the Pacific and the Middle East. Apart from low- and lower-middle-income countries, the top 20 list also includes the U.S. and Canada as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Source: World Obesity
Let’s break down the top 3 nations sans American Samoa, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States).
1. Nauru
The tiny island nation of Nauru is situated in the South Pacific and, with almost 60% of the adults there being obese, it has the highest rate of obesity in the world.
The island’s worrying dependency on processed food, coming as part of Western culture, is what has “helped” it to reach the number one spot. The supply of fresh produce has drastically decreased as a result of this reliance which makes it challenging for locals to obtain fresh fruit and vegetables which in turn has led to various health issues linked to obesity.
2. The Cook Islands
This is a self-governing island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand where around 54% of adults suffer from obesity.
Oxford University states that colonization in the Cook Islands between 1888 and 1965 was a major contributing factor to the obesity epidemic. As part of colonial attempts to “civilize” Pacific Islanders, people in the Cook Islands were taught “proper” eating habits which significantly contributed to the decline of traditional eating patterns and, as a result, a rise in obesity rates.
3. Palau
Encompassing more than 300 islands, Palau has slightly more than 18,000 inhabitants. With over 53% of the adult population being obese, Palau ranks third in the world in terms of the percentage of obese people in the country.
The nation lacks proper access to healthy food options, and the high obesity rate there is largely due to a diet that is saturated with processed foods and sugary drinks. Since obesity is among the major causes of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, Palau is among the top nations in terms of rates of death from cardiovascular disease and diabetes among people aged over 25 years.
Final word
With its impact on productivity and life expectancy, obesity has become a major issue for many local economies and the world economy as a whole. Governments and development organizations must take a holistic approach that places the emphasis on preventative measures in order to stop the obesity epidemic from spreading to younger generations.
