The economic and psychosocial consequences of obesity

Obesity is a multifaceted problem with wide-reaching medical, social and economic consequences. These are partly determined by the wealth and disease pattern of the population. In less-developed societies overweight may be advantageous and socially acceptable. In affluent societies obesity is a well-recognized health hazard and a socially stigmatized condition. For the obese person, excess weight denotes an increased risk of disabling chronic diseases, lowered quality of life and loss of earnings. For the society, obesity is a major economic burden. Treatment costs of diseases directly attributable to obesity are estimated to correspond to about 4-5% of the total health care expenditure. The indirect costs arising from loss of productivity due to obesity may be even higher.