Experts warn: Obesity may drain 2.13 trillion rupees from economy by 2030

Obesity is causing an annual loss of 950 billion rupees to the national economy, and experts have warned that if immediate measures are not taken, the economic loss could reach 2.13 trillion rupees by 2030.

During an awareness session held at the National Press Club in Islamabad, health experts revealed that obesity is quietly becoming a devastating burden on Pakistan’s economy, currently causing losses exceeding $3.41 billion, or more than 950 billion rupees annually.

Experts warned that if immediate action is not taken, this burden could increase to $7.6 billion, or 2.13 trillion rupees, by 2030. Citing data from the World Obesity Federation, the experts said that obesity is not just an individual health issue but has become a national health emergency and a major threat to the economy.

Due to complications related to obesity, increasing healthcare costs in both public and private sectors, absenteeism from work, reduced productivity, and premature deaths are severely damaging the economy.

According to experts, obesity has caused a significant rise in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, fatty liver, and kidney disorders in Pakistan, as these illnesses are directly linked to obesity and are consuming national resources.

Renowned physician Professor Rauf Niazi stated that 70 to 80 percent of Pakistanis, including children, are now overweight or obese, mainly due to a diet rich in carbohydrates, junk food, sugary drinks, and a sedentary lifestyle.

He said that obesity is causing problems like impotence in men and infertility in women, and it is a major cause of diabetes, stroke, heart attacks, and kidney damage.

Professor Niazi further stated that 85 percent of Pakistan’s population could suffer from dangerous diseases like fatty liver, which often remains silent but increases cholesterol metabolism issues, bodily inflammation, and heart diseases.