Modeling the cost of inaction in treating obesity in Canada

Obesity prevalence continues to rise in Canada, highlighting a growing public health concern. This study updates estimates of the societal cost of inaction in treating obesity, emphasizing the significant economic burden stemming from both direct healthcare costs and indirect productivity losses.

We combined data from national surveys and published literature to estimate the 2023 national economic implications of obesity. Comparing adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) to those with healthy weight (25 > BMI ≥ 18.5), we assessed healthcare costs, absenteeism, presenteeism, disability pensions, mortality-related costs, workforce participation, and earnings. Canadian data were used where possible, supplemented by U.S. data, standardized to 2023 CAD$.

The cost of inaction in treating obesity in Canada was $27.6 billion in 2023, including $5.9 billion in direct healthcare and $21.7 billion in indirect costs. Excess healthcare costs are driven by higher utilization of medical services. Indirect costs include approximately $8.2 billion from reduced workforce participation, $6.8 billion from presenteeism, $3.8 billion in lower earnings among employed with obesity, $2.0 billion from lost wages due to premature mortality, $682 million from absenteeism, and $268 million from disability pensions.

The economic implications of not addressing obesity effectively are substantial, emphasizing the urgent need for utilizing effective chronic disease management strategies. Our findings highlight the disproportionate impact on women and the broader economic consequences, underscoring the imperative for tailored policy interventions. Investing in comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management not only enhances individual well-being but also yields significant societal and economic benefits.