Obesity and overweight are no longer just a public health concern—they have become a significant drag on European economies. A new report commissioned by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries (EFPIA) and conducted by the Office of Health Economics (OHE) reveals that the financial toll of elevated body mass index (BMI) across eight European countries amounts to tens of billions of euros each year, equivalent to what some nations spend on housing or defence.
The study, which analyzed Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Romania, and the United Kingdom, found that the total annual economic burden represents between 0.7% and 1.4% of national GDP. In absolute terms, the costs range from €2.5 billion in Romania to €55.2 billion in Germany. The UK follows closely with €43.2 billion, while Spain, Italy, and France each incur around €20 billion.
As a share of their economies, Greece and the UK carry the heaviest load at 1.4% of GDP, followed by Germany at 1.3% and Spain at 1.2%. For Germany, Spain, and Ireland, the economic cost of elevated BMI exceeds their respective defence budgets. Per capita, the burden translates to €131 per Romanian resident and €662 per German resident.
Beyond direct healthcare costs
The report distinguishes between direct costs—those linked to treating obesity-related conditions—and indirect costs, which include lost productivity, absenteeism, premature mortality, and informal care. Direct costs alone amount to €100.4 billion across the eight countries, with Germany accounting for the largest share at €30 billion.
However, indirect costs form a substantial part of the total. These include the economic losses from people unable to work due to obesity-related illnesses, as well as the burden on families providing unpaid care. The report estimates that obesity and overweight are linked to 278,000 deaths and the loss of 8 million years of healthy life annually in these countries alone.
Obesity is not just a standalone condition; it is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, certain cancers, and chronic respiratory and digestive disorders. These comorbidities drive up healthcare spending and reduce workforce participation, creating a vicious cycle that hampers economic growth.
Prevalence rising across Europe
As of 2024, 26% of European adults are living with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher), and an additional 30% are classified as overweight. Since 1990, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased by 22%, while obesity alone has surged by more than 75%. Globally, it is projected that half of the world's adult population will be overweight or obese by 2035.
These trends are straining health systems and economies alike. The report warns that historical approaches to prevention and management “have not had the desired impact.” Nathalie Moll, director general of EFPIA, emphasized the urgency: “Tackling obesity is vital for protecting citizens' health and wellbeing, safeguarding our European health systems and ensuring sustainable growth in Europe.”
Moll called for a fundamental shift in how obesity is perceived and treated. “An urgent shift in perception, prevention, diagnosis and treatment is required to improve outcomes, reduce the burden of costs on health services, boost economic productivity and societal resilience,” she said.
Policy recommendations
The report offers a series of recommendations, starting with recognizing obesity as a chronic disease rather than merely a risk factor. It also calls for improved access to prevention and treatment, including better screening, earlier diagnosis, and broader availability of medical interventions.
These findings come at a time when European economies are already grappling with the erosion of purchasing power and the need to boost productivity. The economic argument for tackling obesity is clear: reducing the burden could free up billions for other priorities, from healthcare to infrastructure.
Some experts argue that the focus should extend beyond individual responsibility to address the environmental and social factors that drive obesity, such as food marketing, urban design, and workplace stress. As Europe looks to build a more resilient and sustainable economy, addressing obesity must be part of the equation.
The pharmaceutical industry, which funded the report, has a vested interest in expanding access to weight-loss medications. Yet the report's authors stress that prevention remains key. Without a comprehensive strategy, the economic and human costs are set to rise further, undermining the continent's long-term prosperity.
