Economic consequences of overweight and obesity in Asia-Pacific

BackgroundObesity is considered one of the major modifiable health risk factors contributing to the global burden of disease.ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to summarize the published cost estimates of the Asia-Pacific region that can be attributed to overweight and obesity and compares the amount of additional spending on obesity between countries relative to their gross domestic product.MethodologyA systematic database search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and EBM-Reviews was conducted to identify publications reporting on obesity-associated health care and social costs. All extracted data are either obesity-attributable or direct additional spending on overweight or obesity. The cost estimates have then been inflated to 2009 US$ value as well as put into proportion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) of the respective year.Results75 studies have been identified worldwide. 11 studies were focused on the Asia-Pacific region (Taiwan, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand). Included studies estimated direct health care costs related to obesity ranging from 0.059% to 0.49% of national GDPs. Highest direct costs calculated indicate that annual spending may be as high as 7.4 billion US$ a year in China. Projections conclude direct and indirect spending on obesity may exceed the over 4.1% of a country's GDP.ConclusionsPublished cost estimates in the Asia-Pacific region indicate a considerable economic burden caused by overweight and obesity. The study design of identified publications tends to report conservative cost estimates; the methodology used in those publications varies significantly.