Obesity has reached world-wide epidemic proportions. Overweight and obesity weaken the body, hamper lower-body mobility, and impede daily activities. In older people, they cause physical dysfunction and increase the risk of disability. Overweight and obesity also raise the risks for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Both conditions could severely undermine the economic and human development of the region, and seriously threaten the region’s prosperity.

What can be done?

Read the transcript:

http://bit.ly/2iV9Nu5

Read the report:

http://bit.ly/2rHNSZQ

Authors

Matthias Helble, ADBI senior economist and co-chair of the Research Department

https://www.adb.org/adbi/about/staff-profiles/matthias-helble

Kris Francisco, ADBI research associate

https://www.adb.org/adbi/about/staff-profiles/kris-francisco

Read a related ADBI blog post:

Obesity in Pacific Island countries and territories: How big a problem is it?

By Jillian Wate

http://bit.ly/2xqE5b5