Obesity in Germany: 'XXL Care Gap' with High Economic Costs

Obesity is causing substantial economic damage in Germany, with annual costs reaching tens of billions of euros. The prevalence of obesity in the country has increased by 62 percent over the last two decades. At a symposium organised by pharmaceutical company Lilly Deutschland, experts discussed why Germany does not manage obesity more systematically.

"Obesity does not only affect individual people, but also impacts healthcare systems, social security systems, the labor market, and thus the future of Germany's national economy," stated Dr. Malina Müller from the WifOR Institute. According to her, direct costs from obesity and its related diseases amount to 29.4 billion euros annually. In addition, indirect costs, such as reduced productivity, add another 33.4 billion euros. The loss of quality of life contributes an additional 18.4 billion euros.

Müller criticized the current discourse, which often focuses solely on minimizing costs within healthcare. She emphasized that health is the foundation for prosperity, growth, and innovation. "Can we truly afford to do nothing?" she asked rhetorically. If Germany were to effectively prevent overweight and obesity, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could increase by 180 billion euros per year by 2050, thanks to higher productivity and reduced sick leave.

Dr. Alexander Horn, CEO of Lilly Deutschland, expressed astonishment that obesity is the only chronic disease in Germany whose treatment is currently not reimbursed. He referred to a provision in the social code that excludes medications for weight reduction or appetite suppression from statutory health insurance coverage. Horn believes this is not only unfair to patients but also extremely shortsighted from a health policy perspective, as consistent obesity treatment is a crucial preventive measure to reduce the burden on the system in the long term.