Productivity loss due to overweight and obesity: a systematic review of indirect costs

Abstract

ObjectiveThe increasingly high levels of overweight and obesity among the workforce are accompanied by a hidden cost burden due to losses in productivity. This study reviews the extent of indirect cost of overweight and obesity.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in eight electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, PsychInfo, Cinahl, EconLit and ClinicalTrial.gov). Additional studies were added from reference lists of original studies and reviews. Studies were eligible if they were published between January 2000 and June 2017 and included monetary estimates of indirect costs of overweight and obesity. The authors reviewed studies independently and assessed their quality.ResultsOf the 3626 search results, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the reviewed studies revealed substantial costs due to lost productivity among workers with obesity. Especially absenteeism and presenteeism contribute to high indirect costs. However, the methodologies and results vary greatly, especially regarding the cost of overweight, which was even associated with lower indirect costs than normal weight in three studies.ConclusionThe evidence predominantly confirms substantial short-term and long-term indirect costs of overweight and obesity in the absence of effective customised prevention programmes and thus demonstrates the extent of the burden of obesity beyond the healthcare sector.

Socioeconomic - related inequalities in overweight and obesity: findings from the PERSIAN cohort study

“…It increases the risk for multiple chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease [1,2], diabetes mellitus [1], different kinds of cancers [3], some musculoskeletal disorders [4], and poor mental health [5]. Also, studies show that obesity can have negative influences on the quality of life, healthcare costs and work productivity [6,7]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that obesity affects 500 million people worldwide and it could potentially increase to one billion people globally by 2030 [8,9].…”

Association between Occupational Characteristics and Overweight and Obesity among Working Korean Women: The 2010–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…In addition, it is a factor that gradually increases direct and indirect healthcare costs and decreases productivity [9]. Andrea et al performed a systematic review of 50 studies on indirect costs of overweight and obesity and found that indirect costs were increased among overweight workers, and the costs were even higher among workers with obesity due to decreased productivity [10]. In modern society, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is steadily increasing due to the automation in jobs and an increase in unhealthy behaviors, such as the lack of physical activity, smoking, drinking, and unbalanced nutritional intake.…”

Análise das internações hospitalares para procedimentos de cirurgias bariátricas financiadas pelo SUS em âmbito nacional

“…DISCUSSÃO la que o nível de desemprego está positivamente associado ao quantitativo de cirurgias bariátricas realizadas em âmbito populacional via rede pública de saúde do Brasil 35 . Por outro lado, estudos também revelam que populações obesas tendem a apresentar menores índices de produtividade no trabalho 39,40 . Logo, combater a obesidade coletiva com métodos eficientes de tratamentos ofertados pelo sistema de saúde pública podem promover reduções significativas no custo associado a outras morbidades e promover aumento no desempenho produtivo dos indivíduos.…”