The sharp rise in overweight and obesity in Asia and the Pacific threatens their prosperity

Summary: 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