From the direct costs of medications and medical care to the indirect expenses of mental health support and career limitations, the financial burden of obesity can be substantial and farreaching. A recent study conducted in several countries found that people living with obesity spend 17% of their annual household income on costs associated with weight management.

This isn't about finger-pointing or assigning blame. It's about understanding the full picture, acknowledging the financial realities that many living with obesity face, and advocating for solutions that address not just the physical aspects of weight management, but the broader financial ecosystem that can perpetuate the cycle.

The direct costs of living with obesity are a significant and often underestimated burden. These expenses go beyond the gym memberships and diet plans to include, for most, specialised nutrition and food supplements to manage weight, and in some cases, the high cost of hospital visits and specialised equipment to adapt home-life (e.g., mobility scooter or lifting bed).

Compared with individuals not living with obesity, people living with obesity are at an increased risk of other obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and asthma. These can add an additional layer of financial burden in order to accommodate additional medications and appointments.

Beyond the tangible direct expenses of medical care and equipment, the true cost of obesity often hides in plain sight through its indirect costs – the mental health support needed to combat the stigma and emotional tolls of body image struggles, the higher healthcare insurance premiums, higher transportation requirements, and even custom-made/tailored clothing. It is important not to overlook the impact of this extra spend, with indirect costs making up just under a quarter of the total spend related to obesity care.

Living with obesity can also impact career opportunities, leading to lost wages, missed promotions, and even job loss. In a recent survey, 32% of respondents strongly agreed or tended to agree that they fear losing their job due to excess weight. This can create a vicious cycle, where financial stress further exacerbates emotional difficulties and reinforces negative coping mechanisms.
 

The complex and often hidden financial impact of living with obesity is multi-faceted, presenting significant barriers to quality of life, social inclusion and individual potential for those living with obesity.

Quantifying the individual economic burden as well as societal burden of living with obesity can help inform understanding of the resources required to treat obesity as a disease and highlight the urgent need to make obesity a healthcare priority. Empathy, understanding, and a commitment to accessible, affordable, and holistic care is key to empower people living with obesity to improve their health, finances and overall quality of life.