Facilitating Investment in Obesity Care and Prevention: A Societal Cost Benefit Analysis for the Netherlands
Author(s)
Bart Slob, MSc1, Simon van der Schans, MSc1, Susan de Braak, MSc1, Lisa de Jong, MSc, PharmD, PhD2.
1Health-Ecore, Groningen, Netherlands, 2University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
1Health-Ecore, Groningen, Netherlands, 2University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
OBJECTIVES: Overweight and obesity, also known as Excess Body Weight (EBW), poses an increasing threat to public health and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Despite the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, policy responses in the Netherlands remain fragmented and ineffective. Nearly half of Dutch adults currently live with EBW, a figure projected to rise to 64% by 2050.
METHODS: This study assesses the societal costs and benefits of investing in EBW prevention and treatment in the Netherlands and explores viable policy options to reverse current trends. A Societal Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) was conducted following guidelines from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The analysis consists of two parts: 1) defining the baseline scenario of EBW prevalence and associated costs, and 2) developing a model in Microsoft Excel to quantify the impacts, benefits, and required investments of potential interventions. Causal pathways were identified through a literature review and expert consultations using the Theory of Change framework.
RESULTS: EBW contributes significantly to higher healthcare utilization, reduced labour productivity, and lower quality of life. Recent estimates place the total costs associated with EBW at €79 billion annually. Currently, our model reflects the projected burden in a ‘no intervention’ scenario, while expert sessions are underway to define the intervention pathways. Preliminary findings suggest that targeted prevention and treatment strategies could generate substantial long-term societal benefits that exceed investment costs. Reinvesting savings wisely, partly to ease societal burdens, and partly to accelerate the fight against EBW, will be key.
CONCLUSIONS: Without strategic investments, EBW will continue to strain healthcare system, economy and society. This SCBA aims to provide robust evidence that preventive actions are not only feasible but essential for sustainable public health policy and reduced future healthcare spending.
METHODS: This study assesses the societal costs and benefits of investing in EBW prevention and treatment in the Netherlands and explores viable policy options to reverse current trends. A Societal Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) was conducted following guidelines from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The analysis consists of two parts: 1) defining the baseline scenario of EBW prevalence and associated costs, and 2) developing a model in Microsoft Excel to quantify the impacts, benefits, and required investments of potential interventions. Causal pathways were identified through a literature review and expert consultations using the Theory of Change framework.
RESULTS: EBW contributes significantly to higher healthcare utilization, reduced labour productivity, and lower quality of life. Recent estimates place the total costs associated with EBW at €79 billion annually. Currently, our model reflects the projected burden in a ‘no intervention’ scenario, while expert sessions are underway to define the intervention pathways. Preliminary findings suggest that targeted prevention and treatment strategies could generate substantial long-term societal benefits that exceed investment costs. Reinvesting savings wisely, partly to ease societal burdens, and partly to accelerate the fight against EBW, will be key.
CONCLUSIONS: Without strategic investments, EBW will continue to strain healthcare system, economy and society. This SCBA aims to provide robust evidence that preventive actions are not only feasible but essential for sustainable public health policy and reduced future healthcare spending.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HPR89
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Policy & Regulatory, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Pricing Policy & Schemes, Public Spending & National Health Expenditures
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Nutrition