The burden of diseases attributable to high body mass index in Asia from 1990 - 2019: results from the global burden of disease study 2019

Abstract

Aim: Our study aimed to report the burden of diseases attributable to high body mass index (BMI) in Asia from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019, we calculated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths, with trends quantified by the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). We also made projections for selected countries and estimated the relationship between the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) and high BMI-related disease burden. Result: From 1990 to 2019, high BMI-related diseases observed significant increases in the absolute number of deaths and DALYs, with EAPCs of 4.62 and 4.69, respectively, while the age-standardized rates of both deaths and DALYs also showed upward trends, with EAPCs of 1.39 and 1.80. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, and neoplasms were the major contributors to the high BMI-related burden. The burden of high BMI-related diseases generally tended to be greater among males and older age groups. Predictions for selected countries indicated a continued rise in the number of deaths and DALYs for high BMI-related diseases, with a stabilization in the age-standardized rate. There was no significant association between SDI levels and the burden of high BMI-related diseases in Asia (coefficient=0.13, p = 0.39). Conclusion: The burden of high BMI-related diseases, a major public health issue, was increasing in Asia. To address this problem, coordinated action by governments, civil society and other key stakeholders should be taken to enhance awareness of the risks associated with high BMI and effectively reduce its impact.