Health burden and costs of obesity and overweight in Germany in 2002

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the health burden and the direct as well as indirect costs of morbidity and mortality attributable to obesity and overweight in Germany for the year 2002. Methods: We estimated obesity and overweight attributable deaths, years of potential life lost (YPLL) and quality adjusted life years lost (QALY) for various diseases associated with obesity and overweight, using attributable fractions and routine statistics. Direct costs were estimated for inpatient and outpatient treatment, rehabilitation, nursing care and non-medical costs. Indirect costs were estimated for sickness absence…