Obesity should be recognized as a chronic and progressive disease

According to a new report fromObesity Canadafunded by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly Canadafailure to recognize obesity as a chronic and progressive disease has significant economic repercussions. “With nearly one in three Canadians living with obesity, the direct and indirect costs are enormous and show that living with this disease has profound impacts that go far beyond the individual,” write the report’s authors. .

The report, titled The High Cost of Inactionestimates the cost of inaction on obesity treatment at $27.6 billion, 20% more than previous estimates. In detail, the additional annual cost to the Canadian health system due to obesity is estimated at $5.9 billion.

Workplace productivity costs are more than three times higher, reaching approximately $21.7 billion, due to increased rates of absenteeism, presenteeism, lower productivity and reduced participation to the workforce. The report also estimates a $5.1 billion revenue loss in income, sales and business taxes.

Associated health complications

“Obesity is associated with more than 200 health complications, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many cancers. It results from a combination of genetic, environmental, biological, behavioral and social factors, and not from a simple lack of willpower,” says Ian Pattondirector of advocacy and public engagement at Obesity Canada.

“We know what needs to be done: we have globally recognized guidelines for best clinical practice, but we are not applying them effectively,” he adds.

The report’s authors also point to drug plans, noting that less than 20% of the Canadian population with private drug plans have access to obesity medications approved by Health Canada.

“The Canadian Medical Association and theWorld Health Organization consider obesity a chronic disease, requiring health systems to prevent and treat it like any other chronic disease,” adds Obesity Canada in a press release accompanying the publication of the report.

The Executive Director of Obesity CanadaLisa Schafferalso emphasizes: “As a society, we need to stop perpetuating the myth that obesity is all about a corpulent person with an excessive love of food or an unwillingness to exercise,” she says.

“Obesity is a chronic disease that requires health interventions and treatments like those provided for any other chronic disease. »