Obesity Canada has released an alarming report highlighting that nearly one in three Canadians suffer from obesity, which generates considerable economic costs for the country.
The cost of inaction in treating this chronic disease is now estimated at $27.6 billion, an increase of approximately 20% from previous estimates. This report highlights the profound impact of obesity, which goes far beyond the individual, affecting the health system and the Canadian economy.
Initial findings from the report, titled “Modeling the Cost of Inaction in the Treatment of Obesity in Canada,” indicate that the failure to recognize obesity as a chronic disease, combined with insufficient access to effective interventions, has major economic repercussions on a national scale. The additional annual cost of obesity to the health care system is $5.9 billion, which corresponds to 19 million additional medical visits, among other health care needs. Additionally, indirect costs, such as lost workplace productivity, reach an estimated $21.7 billion, due to absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced workforce participation. .
The report also reveals that this crisis has consequences on public finances, resulting in a loss of $5.1 billion in income, sales and tax revenue. Women are particularly affected by obesity in the labor market, experiencing greater income losses than their male counterparts. Ian Patton, director of advocacy at Obesity Canada, emphasizes the urgency of treating obesity as a complex chronic disease requiring comprehensive interventions. He points out that obesity is linked to more than 200 health problems, including serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
The situation is all the more concerning because the Canadian health system does not have adequate interdisciplinary supports to manage obesity, despite guidelines that recommend such approaches. Fewer than 20% of Canadians with private insurance have access to medications approved to treat obesity, and wait times for bariatric surgeries can be up to eight years.
Obesity Canada therefore calls for immediate action, arguing that public health policies must guarantee access to health care for all Canadians. The report also highlights that investments in effective obesity treatment and prevention strategies are urgent, not only for the well-being of Canadians suffering from this disease, but also for the economic health of the country.
In conclusion, as obesity continues to grow in Canada, it is imperative that policy makers, health professionals and society as a whole change their approach. Obesity Canada’s report constitutes a call to action to recognize this disease as a major public health issue requiring effective and inclusive solutions.
Source: Obesity Canada / CNW
Publication Health Index: 2024-11-07
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