As the global population ages, addressing obesity has become crucial not only for improving public health but also for easing the strain on healthcare systems and economies. Overweight and obesity are key contributors to chronic diseases, which place a significant burden on communities and healthcare systems worldwide.
By 2050, nearly one in five people will be over the age of 65 due to increased life expectancy and lower fertility rates. However, while life expectancy has risen, many in recent generations are experiencing poorer health than their predecessors, largely due to chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These conditions affect not only the elderly but also working-age populations, leading to increased absenteeism and early retirement, as seen in countries like India, where the average age for the onset of chronic diseases is just 53.
The economic toll of chronic diseases is profound. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have highlighted the growing burden on health systems, especially with a shortage of healthcare workers in many regions. This situation exacerbates the need for proactive solutions. A model focused on “healthy ageing” could slow healthcare spending and reduce the demand for health and long-term care workers in the future.
At the heart of addressing chronic diseases lies obesity, which significantly impacts cardiometabolic health and overall ageing. Globally, over 160 million years of healthy life have been lost due to obesity, with this number expected to rise sharply in the coming years. The economic consequences of obesity are staggering, predicted to exceed $4 trillion by 2035—nearly 3% of global GDP.
The urgency of combating obesity cannot be overstated. In 2025, the United Nations General Assembly will convene to assess the progress on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and chart the path forward for the coming decades. Leaders and policymakers must prioritize obesity as a central driver of chronic diseases and take swift, coordinated action. Building on scientific advancements since the 2018 High-Level Meeting on NCDs, there are now more effective strategies to combat obesity and its impact.
Key areas for investment include strengthening primary care to support individuals at risk of or living with obesity, implementing multi-sector strategies for obesity prevention, and fostering partnerships between governments, healthcare systems, and industries to drive innovative solutions. By focusing on prevention and early detection, as well as delivering targeted interventions through precision medicine, we can halt the obesity epidemic and its related chronic diseases.
Novo Nordisk, for example, advocates for a comprehensive approach that spans prevention, early detection, and long-term management of obesity. The company collaborates with organizations like UNICEF and the WHO to drive global programs such as Cities for Better Health and the Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative. By combining clinical insights with public health data, we aim to identify those at risk and provide effective solutions.
The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for addressing obesity and chronic diseases on a global scale. Tackling these issues requires a broad, cross-government approach that spans healthcare, education, and economic sectors. The time to act is now, and a collaborative effort is essential to make the vision of “healthier for longer” a reality.
As we move forward, let’s prioritize investments in preventive healthcare and work together to ensure that future generations can live longer, healthier lives free from the debilitating effects of obesity.
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