Obesity and NCDS

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly one-third of all deaths and over 400 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually. Obesity is a significant risk factor for major cardiovascular conditions, including: 

• Ischaemic Heart Disease and Stroke: The Atlas reveals that countries with the highest obesity rates also tend to experience higher rates of cardiovascular diseases. The systemic inflammation and increased blood lipids associated with obesity accelerate atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
• Hypertension: Obesity contributes to 65-78% of hypertension cases. 
• Heart Failure: Excess weight exacerbates conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy and systemic inflammation, contributing to increased cases of heart failure. 

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is closely linked to obesity, with approximately 80% of T2D patients living with obesity. Severe obesity increases the lifetime risk of developing T2D to 70-75%.

• The World Obesity Atlas 2025 shows that in 2021, T2D resulted in high levels of ill-health and premature death in Southeast Asia - this is likely to be partly driven by obesity.
• The link between obesity and T2D is particularly concerning in countries with limited healthcare readiness—more than 67 countries have none or only one key health system readiness indicator in place.

Obesity is a recognised risk factor for at least 13 types of cancer, contributing to 4-8% of all new cancer cases globally. The Atlas data provides a stark warning:

• Regions with the highest obesity projections are likely to experience a rise in obesity-related cancers, including colorectal, endometrial, and breast cancers.
• Previous Atlases also highlight the economic and health burdens of obesity-driven cancers, with obesity-related conditions accounting for a significant proportion of healthcare costs and productivity losses.

Obesity exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma and obstructive sleep apnoea. The Atlas reinforces this link by showing:

• Countries with rising obesity rates will face increased challenges in managing respiratory conditions, particularly in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, where health systems are already under strain.
• The Atlas calls for integrated healthcare approaches that address obesity as a critical factor in preventing and managing chronic respiratory diseases.

Obesity is a major contributor to digestive diseases, including:

• Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Estimates suggest that up to 90% of severe obesity individuals may be affected by MASLD, highlighting the need for robust healthcare strategies to manage this rising burden.
• Pancreatitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Obesity increases the risk and severity of these conditions. The Atlas highlights countries that have inadequate obesity policies, it is likely these same countries will soon struggle with increasing digestive disease burdens.

Obesity contributes to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases:

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence suggests that mid-life obesity is a significant predictor of Alzheimer’s disease in later life, especially in regions with aging populations and rising obesity rates.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Obesity during critical development periods increases MS risk. The Atlas highlights that systemic changes in food environments and healthcare policies are needed to reduce these risks.

Evidence suggests the strong link between obesity and mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. The mechanical load of excess weight also exacerbates musculoskeletal disorders:

• Osteoarthritis: The projected increase in obesity will likely lead to a surge in osteoarthritis cases, particularly in countries where healthcare systems are unprepared to offer holistic, stigma-free obesity care.
• Depression and Anxiety: Obesity stigma and discrimination contributes significantly to poor mental health outcomes. A whole-society approach is needed to tackle both physical and mental health impacts of obesity.