The obesity crisis is poised to drain 5.6 trillion baht from the Thai economy. Bumrungrad Hospital unveils its proactive weight control plan.

The WHO revealed that in 62, Thailand lost 1.5% of its GDP due to healthcare costs and decreased productivity. It predicts the damage will skyrocket 22 times by 2603 if no measures are taken to prevent overweight and obesity. Bumrungrad Hospital highlights its multidisciplinary model integrating ESG innovations, including endoscopic gastrectomy combined with appetite suppressant medication.

January 20, 2569–Bumrungrad Hospital has released an analysis of the health situation and its structural economic impact, revealing that overweight and obesity in Thailand are becoming increasingly severe and are reaching a critical level. According to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, 42.4% of the Thai population aged 15 and above are obese. This not only impacts public health but is also a negative factor that erodes the country's long-term competitiveness.

Dr. Athirat Jarukitpipat Chief Executive Officer Bumrungrad Hospital

Dr. Athirat Jarukitpipat Chief Executive Officer Bumrungrad Hospital Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Obesity Federation (WOF) estimate the economic loss to Thailand from obesity in 2562 at as much as US$8.27 billion, or approximately 2.56 billion baht, equivalent to 1.5% of GDP.

“If this trend is not slowed, by 2603 the economic impact could reach 5.6 trillion baht, or 5.6% of future GDP, a 22-fold increase, based on direct healthcare costs and indirect costs from premature deaths, as well as reduced work efficiency.”

Indirect costs - lost performance.

In the dimension of public health economics, obesity is viewed as... "Fiscal burden" Importantly, as the root cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, the losses incurred are not limited to medication costs but also include... “Presenteeism” Or, employees may come to work but be unable to perform their duties effectively due to health problems. “Absenteeism” Or cumulative absenteeism, which directly affects the gross domestic product of the business sector.

Dr. Noppawan Kitiwat, Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism. It is argued that current weight management practices need to shift from focusing on aesthetic weight loss to a metabolic approach, especially for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5 or higher. The use of GLP-1RA medications to control blood sugar and appetite under medical supervision has become a crucial tool in reducing the economic risks associated with weight management.

ESG Innovation: A New Alternative to Reduce Major Surgery

In terms of medical technology. Associate Professor Dr. Tosapol Kerdshirichairat, MD, Specialist in Advanced Endoscopy. This highlights the advancements in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), an innovative, non-surgical procedure that leaves no abdominal incision and offers rapid recovery. It is suitable for individuals with a BMI of 30-40 who do not respond to dietary control alone.

"ESG treatment combined with GLP-1RA medication can reduce excess weight by an average of 15-20%, and in some cases, up to 44%, which is an internationally recognized statistic. This significantly reduces the risk of silent threats such as fatty liver disease and certain types of cancer."

Personalized Nutrition Plan

however Dr. Morakot Suwannakarn, Physician specializing in Nutrition. It's important to emphasize that the core of the solution remains in sustainable behavioral change, moving beyond the misconception of "reducing the number on the scale" and focusing instead on maintaining a balance between muscle mass and fat.

Investing in the healthcare system through proper weight management is therefore considered a "Health Resolution" or the most worthwhile investment in human resources in 2569, in order to prevent the medical burden from hindering Thailand's economic growth in the future.

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