OBJECTIVES: Obesity, a worldwide epidemic associated with chronic illnesses, presents a significant challenge in Colombia, where elevated obesity rates adversely affect both public health and the economy. Our objective is to assess the economic impact of diseases linked to obesity.

METHODS: We use secondary data sources, eliminating the necessity for patient records or ethical approval. The methodology relies on population-based studies and utilizes epidemiological data, explicitly drawing from the 2015 National Nutritional Situation Survey in Colombia. The study identifies diseases causally linked to excessive weight through thorough literature reviews, emphasizing cohort studies for establishing causal relationships. Calculations involve determining attributable fractions exposed to estimate the risk associated with weight. Incidence of diseases and related costs are derived from literature sources and adjusted to present value.

RESULTS: The yearly economic impact of diseases induced by overweight and obesity in Colombia stands at $ 2.5 billion, with healthcare expenses for recent cases in the past year reaching $ 604 million. This expenditure represents 11.4 % of the country's total healthcare budget. Cardio-renal-metabolic diseases contribute to 85.7 % of the total costs associated with conditions arising from overweight and obesity. Notably, healthcare costs for women are higher, attributed to their increased prevalence of excess weight and the presence of several gender-specific diseases linked to overweight and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS: The research underscores the economic and healthcare implications of overweight and obesity in Colombia, advocating for their acknowledgment as legitimate medical conditions rather than solely aesthetic issues. A holistic strategy that encourages healthy lifestyles and ensures quality healthcare for the majority grappling with weight issues is imperative.