Obesity Related Out-of-Pocket Expenditure and Productivity Loss: Evidence From Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh.

Background and Aims: Obesity has become a major health issue, especially in developing nations. Along with its direct health effects, obesity creates serious financial consequences for individuals, such as out-of-pocket expenses as well as productivity loss. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study is to determine the factors influencing productivity loss and out-of-pocket expenses associated with obesity. Methods: The authors analyzed 250 data collected from the southwest region of Bangladesh, applying ordinary least squares and multinomial logistic regression models using STATA. Results: Descriptive statistics highlight that obese and aged individuals tend to have higher out-of-pocket expenditures. Results from the multinomial logit model indicate that factors such as increasing age, higher family income, lack of regular physical activity, frequent fast-food consumption, and parental BMI significantly influence the likelihood of obesity. In addition, regularity in having lunch or dinner at fast-food restaurants also has a significant impact on respondents being obese. On the other hand, OLS results reveal that being obese or overweight considerably raises OOP costs and reduces productivity. OOP and productivity loss are further exacerbated by other factors such as family income, eating choices, and annual sick days. Conclusions: Findings of this study shed importance on promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity as an essential strategy in obesity control. Policymakers should prioritize improved food habits and regular physical exercise as fundamental means of a healthy life.