THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BURDEN OF OBESITY IN BULGARIA
Author(s)
Sofiya Ivanova Mihaylova, MPharm1, Guenka I. Petrova, ScD, PhD2.
1Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria, 2Professor, Medical University Sofia, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sofia, Bulgaria.
1Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria, 2Professor, Medical University Sofia, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sofia, Bulgaria.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the economic and social impact of obesity in Bulgaria, to examine its burden on public health and society.
METHODS: This study is a quantitative cost-of -illness (COI) analysis from a societal perspective, focusing on the adult obese population (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Direct medical (medication cost, hospitalisations, bariatric surgery, complications like diabetes, cardiovascular, surgical) and indirect costs were calculated during first half of 2025. Social burden was estimated through the disability adjusted life years (DALYs).
RESULTS: Epidemiological data shows that 2/3 of the population is expected to suffer from high BMI or obesity and those numbers are expected to increase tremendously till 2030. The direct healthcare costs account for 55 935 208,00 euro for 6 months period with leading share of hospitalisations due to complications (47%) and antiobesity medicines (48%). The minimal value of indirect costs generated due to absenteeism is 57 922 356,06 euro for the first 6 months in 2025. DALYs calculated for major obesity complications account for 42468 for one year. Years of life lost due to premature death are the higher contributor to DALYs.
CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is widespread in Bulgaria, like global trends. It is associated with substantial costs and DALYs. The COI analysis for Bulgaria showed that the indirect costs of treating comorbidities related to obesity are slightly higher than the direct costs of its treatment. Total DALYs for Bulgaria related to obesity are also significant. Diabetes and CVD are main contributors to DALYs in Bulgaria.
METHODS: This study is a quantitative cost-of -illness (COI) analysis from a societal perspective, focusing on the adult obese population (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Direct medical (medication cost, hospitalisations, bariatric surgery, complications like diabetes, cardiovascular, surgical) and indirect costs were calculated during first half of 2025. Social burden was estimated through the disability adjusted life years (DALYs).
RESULTS: Epidemiological data shows that 2/3 of the population is expected to suffer from high BMI or obesity and those numbers are expected to increase tremendously till 2030. The direct healthcare costs account for 55 935 208,00 euro for 6 months period with leading share of hospitalisations due to complications (47%) and antiobesity medicines (48%). The minimal value of indirect costs generated due to absenteeism is 57 922 356,06 euro for the first 6 months in 2025. DALYs calculated for major obesity complications account for 42468 for one year. Years of life lost due to premature death are the higher contributor to DALYs.
CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is widespread in Bulgaria, like global trends. It is associated with substantial costs and DALYs. The COI analysis for Bulgaria showed that the indirect costs of treating comorbidities related to obesity are slightly higher than the direct costs of its treatment. Total DALYs for Bulgaria related to obesity are also significant. Diabetes and CVD are main contributors to DALYs in Bulgaria.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
EE630
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity)