In Mexico, obesity and overweight generate significant economic losses that affect both individuals and the economy as a whole. Mauricio Hernández, a specialist in Population Nutrition, mentioned that salary reductions for affected individuals can reach up to 5.3%, and even studies warn of larger cuts of 16% or 20% in income. Additionally, employment opportunities are reduced by 8% for those suffering from chronic diseases associated with obesity, resulting in absenteeism and impacting productivity.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) noted that countries like Mexico, Brazil, Latvia, and Turkey suffer significant cuts in their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to the negative economic impact of obesity. In the case of Mexico, the reduction amounts to 5.3% of GDP, which translates into more limited annual growth of around 1.5% or 2%, instead of the 5% or 6% that could be achieved without this problem.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mexico could achieve growth rates of 4% or 5% annually if it weren't for the economic consequences of obesity. The impact of this problem on the Mexican economy is the highest among OECD countries, with a loss of 5.3% of GDP.
Dr. Mauricio Hernández mentions that the costs associated with obesity in Mexico are multiple. On one hand, there are losses in the labor market due to reduced productivity of around one thousand five hundred dollars per person per year. On the other hand, healthcare expenses represent an additional impact of approximately 400 dollars annually per person, resulting in a total cost of around two thousand dollars per year per person between lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
In summary, obesity and overweight in Mexico not only affect individuals' health but also exert significant pressure on the country's economy, limiting its growth and generating significant costs for affected individuals as well as for businesses and the healthcare system in general.
