Antonina Levashenko, Head of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, explained in a comment for RBC why the rise in obesity affects not only the healthcare system but also the economy as a whole.
According to the expert, being overweight and obese increase government spending on treating diseases, reduce labor productivity, and shrink the economically active population. According to estimates by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Russia is among the countries where the economic losses from this issue will be most significant in the coming decades.
“Obesity affects not only people’s health but also the economy. Healthcare costs are rising, labor productivity is falling, and the burden on public finances is increasing. Therefore, it is important not only to treat the consequences but also to focus on prevention. Possible measures include limiting consumption of foods high in added sugar, raising public awareness about the principles of healthy diet, and developing corporate programs that help employees lead healthier lifestyles. International experience shows that such a comprehensive approach can be effective,” said Antonina Levashenko.
She emphasized that solving the issue requires joint efforts by the government, the business sector, and society, since preventing obesity reduces not only medical costs but also economic costs in the long term.