Cost–effectiveness of preventing weight gain and obesity: what we know and what we need to know

Abstract

The objective of this study was to show gaps and inconsistencies in selected literature on the cost–effectiveness of preventing weight gain and obesity and to set an agenda for future research. A review and qualitative analysis of the literature was carried out on the cost–effectiveness of preventing weight gain and obesity, with a primary focus on programs that influence health outcomes and directly change individual behavior through physical activity promotion (i.e., energy expenditure increase). A literature search reveals that computer simulation models on the lifetime cost of obese versus normal-weight persons show conflicting results. Studies on programs to promote physical activity as a means to prevent obesity also show varying cost–effectiveness ratios, with a key variable from a societal perspective being the cost of time required to exercise. In particular, this review found a need for more parsimonious simulation models and more information on the comparative cost–effectiveness of programs to prevent weight gain/obesity.

Keywords::

• cost–effectiveness
• obesity
• physical activity
• prevention

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.