Asia Pacific is home to the world's fastest rising obese population
Research from WTW indicates that the Asia Pacific region is experiencing the world's fastest-rising obesity rates, affecting approximately one billion people. The study highlights a systemic failure to treat obesity as a chronic medical condition, leading to significant economic and productivity losses.
Why it matters
The findings underscore an urgent need for insurers and policymakers to shift from viewing obesity as a lifestyle choice to a medical condition requiring formal intervention.
Asia Pacific countries are currently grappling with the world's fastest-rising obesity rates and this is driving a need for change in how employers, insurers, and policymakers approach health and benefits, according to WTW research based on MAXIS Global Benefits Network (GBN) data.
Released on the occasion of Chronic Disease Awareness Day, which is annually observed on 10 July, the research "Chronic Disease Awareness: Combating the world's fastest-rising obesity rates in Asia Pacific", reveals that Asia Pacific region stands at a critical health juncture with rising obesity rates.
The APAC region now has the largest population of individuals living overweight or with obesity. Approximately 1bn people, or two in every five adults, is currently affected.
These health statistics are driving a need for change in how employers, insurers, and policymakers approach healthcare and benefits. For employers navigating the complex landscape of employee benefits in Asia Pacific, understanding this shift is essential.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in