The issue of obesity has been a growing concern globally, and it is not just a problem in developed nations. A new study reveals that high obesity rates are also hindering the economic growth of developing nations.

Impact of obesity on economic growth

The study revealed that the high obesity rates in developing countries are reducing the workforce’s productivity. As a result, businesses are losing valuable hours of productivity that could have been utilized to grow their enterprise.

Obesity also leads to a higher rate of disability and absenteeism, which further hinders productivity and overall economic growth.

The study’s lead author, Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London, said “We found that in countries like India, where overweight and obesity levels are still relatively low, their contribution to economic growth is increasing.

But in high-income countries, where these levels are high, it’s reducing.”.

The obesity crisis in developing nations

The study highlights that the number of obese people worldwide has increased from 105 million in 1975 to 641 million in 2014. In 2014, nearly 13% of the world’s adult population was obese.

In developing nations, the numbers are even more alarming as obesity rates have tripled in the last four decades.

The World Health Organization states that obesity has reached epidemic proportions in developing nations, with more than 904 million adults and 38 million children under the age of five being obese.

Challenges for developing nations

Developing nations face multiple challenges in tackling the obesity crisis. Firstly, they are suffering from undernutrition and malnutrition, which is causing stunted growth and widespread health issues.

Secondly, the cost of healthy food is often higher than junk food, making it difficult to make healthier food choices. Finally, developing nations often lack the infrastructure and support system necessary to combat obesity.

According to the WHO, there is a need for the “strengthening of health systems, promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles, modifying food environments, and increasing public awareness” to combat obesity in developing nations.

Mitigation strategies for developing nations

The fight against obesity in developing nations requires a multi-pronged approach, involving individuals, governments, and private organizations. Some of the strategies that can be employed include:.

1. Promoting healthy food choices

Governments can encourage healthier eating habits by implementing taxes on sugary drinks, implementing policies that promote healthy food options in schools and public places, and using mass media to educate people on the importance of healthy eating.

2. Encouraging physical activity

Developing nations need to promote physical activity in schools, colleges, and workplaces. This can be achieved by creating safe walking and cycling paths, providing public sports facilities, and encouraging physical activity in the workplace.

3. Providing affordable healthcare

Obesity increases the risk of medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Therefore, it is essential to provide affordable healthcare to obese individuals in developing nations to reduce the burden of obesity-related illnesses on the healthcare system.

4. Investing in infrastructure

Developing nations need to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support healthier lifestyles. This includes building parks, dedicated walking paths, cycle tracks, and sports facilities in public areas and schools.

5. Fostering public-private partnerships

To tackle the obesity epidemic effectively, governments in developing nations need to foster public-private partnerships.

This can help in the development of innovative solutions and interventions to combat obesity, such as affordable healthy food options and innovative physical activity programs.

Conclusion

The study suggests that high obesity rates in developing nations have an impact on economic growth. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the fight against obesity as part of any development agenda.

Developing nations need to create a supportive environment that promotes healthy living, invest in infrastructure, foster public-private partnerships, and, most importantly, prioritize the fight against obesity for the betterment of their economies and people’s well-being.