Adults are living with obesity globally¹
Disorders are associated with obesity²
1.12 billion people worldwide are predicted to live with obesity³
Premature deaths were associated with high BMI in 2015⁴
The White Paper uncovers current knowledge levels and perceptions of obesity and delves into how this impacts decisions and care delivery.
This panel discusses how advocates, policymakers, and decision-makers can address current challenges in obesity and inform a health system response that delivers effective action against obesity.
The One Billion report provides an overview of the current challenges and barriers to obesity care and discusses the impact that our current approach to obesity has on the individual, society and the economy. It aims to challenge misconceptions and provide tangible recommendations for policy action in support of informed decision-making and access to long-term care for people living with obesity.
During Covid-19, the OPEN global network remains united in our goal to support improved care for people living with obesity. Working with our Global partners and network, we are focused on facilitating the sharing of insights on how people with obesity are being impacted by Covid-19, as well as advocating for people with obesity to be prioritised by health systems now, and in the future.
About the
Obesity Policy Engagement Network (OPEN)
The economic impact of obesity is not limited to healthcare costs alone. Indirect costs of obesity include premature mortality, disability and loss of economic productivity which accounts for over half of the total economic impact of obesity. Many countries have an economic cost of overweight and obesity projected to exceed US $100 billion in 2026.
1World Health Organization. 2018. Obesity and overweight.[Online] Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/ [Accessed February 2019].
2Yuen, M.M., et al. (n.d.). A systematic review and evaluation of current evidence reveals 236 obesity-associated disorders. Massachusetts General Hospital & George Washington University. [Poster presentation]
3Kelly, T et al. 2008. Global burden of obesity in 2005 and projections to 2030. International Journal of Obesity. 32: 1431-1437
4The GBD 2015 Obesity Collaborators. 2017. Health effects of overweight and obesity in 195 countries over 25 years. The New England Journal of Medicine; 377 (1): 13-27
