Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- CERR analyzed the economic consequences of overweight and obesity for Uzbekistan based on data from the World Bank, WHO and the World Obesity Federation (WOF).

Since 1991, the average body mass index (BMI) in Uzbekistan has increased annually by 0.12 points and by 2006 equaled the excess weight indicator of 25 kg/m². According to WHO, today the average BMI is 26.5 kg/m² (women’s BMI is 1 kg higher than men’s), which is the highest in Central Asia.

Elevated BMI is one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and cancer.

The WOF projects that by 2030 and 2060, the proportion of adults who are overweight or obese will increase to 59% and 80%, respectively. The proportion of obese adults will increase from 18.9% in 2020 to 25% by 2030 and 50% by 2060.

It is predicted that by 2060, the cost to the Uzbekistan economy from overweight and obesity will increase to US$21.6 billion, which is equivalent to US$490 per capita and 4.7% of GDP and represents a 12-fold increase in total costs.