Non-communicable disease mortality and economic costs attributable to high body mass index in Argentina

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancer represent a significant public health challenge in Argentina. This study aimed to estimate the burden of NCD mortality attributable to a high body mass index (BMI) in Argentina in 2018 and assess the associated economic costs.

Comparative risk assessment modeling study.

Potential impact fractions and preventable deaths were calculated under three counterfactual scenarios. Theoretical Minimum Risk Exposure Level (TMREL; mean BMI of 22.0 kg/m²), 1.0 kg/m² reduction in BMI, and returned to 2005 BMI levels. The years of life lost (YLLs) and economic costs in terms of productivity loss were also estimated.

In 2018, nearly two-thirds of Argentina's adult population were overweight or obese. In the TMREL scenario, 24 % of major NCD deaths and 20 % of all-cause deaths could have been prevented if the population had a mean BMI of 22 kg/m². If a 1.0 kg/m² reduction in BMI was achieved, 1.92 % of major NCD deaths and 3.48 % of all-cause deaths could have been avoided. Reducing the average BMI to the 2005 levels (25.8 kg/m²) could have prevented 6 % of major NCD deaths and 8.8 % of all-cause deaths. The economic costs associated with high BMI-related mortality were estimated to be 0.37 % and 0.62 % of Argentina's GDP for major NCDs and all-cause mortality, respectively.

The burden of NCD mortality and associated economic costs attributable to high BMI in Argentina are substantial, highlighting the urgent need for multi-sectoral interventions to address the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity.