High rates of overweight and obesity in Asia and the Pacific seriously threaten people’s health and undermine the region’s prosperity warns this new book published by the Asian Development Bank.  According to this book, obesity causes 12% of total health care expenditures or 0.78% of gross domestic product in the region.

The costs associated with these conditions undermine economic growth as well as the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on health. Drawing upon a wide array of experts from the region, this book compiles studies examining the trends and prevalence and economic costs of obesity and overweight, as well as policy recommendations. This thought-provoking book is an invaluable resource and sets the foundation for future research and policy making.