Economic burden of obesity and its comorbidities in Switzerland

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the total annual economic costs caused by overweight and obesity in Switzerland. METHODS: Top-down estimation of direct treatment costs for obesity including medication, nutritional counselling, and surgical interventions was carried out. Using Swiss prevalence data (2002) and literature-based estimates of the relative risks the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated for 18 overweight- and obesity-related diseases. PAF was then used in combination with estimates of the total (direct and indirect) health care costs of these diseases to estimate the economic burden of obesity for Switzerland. RESULTS: The estimated total costs in Switzerland amounted to CHF 2691 million per year (on cost basis 2001). Allowance for uncertainty in parameter assumptions and values in the published literature used applying a sensitivity range of +/- 20% gave a cost range of between CHF 2153 and 3 229 millions, representing approx. 2.3-3.5% of total health care expenditures. Overweight and obesity contribute each approx. 50% to these costs. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity represent a considerable financial burden to the Swiss society. According to their present trends, this economic burden is expected to grow over the coming years.