The potential health and economic effect of a Body Mass Index decrease in the overweight and obese population in Belgium. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Verhaeghe, N.; De Greve, O.; Annemans, L.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 134(2016)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Health economic evaluation -- Markov model -- Body Mass Index -- Overweight -- Obesity; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.01.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the health and economic consequences of a Body Mass Index decrease in the Belgian overweight and obese population over a 20-year time period. Study design: Health economic evaluation study. Methods: A Markov decision-analytic model using a societal perspective was applied, projecting the one-year results of a one unit Body Mass Index decrease over a time horizon of 20 years. Scenario analysis was applied evaluating the effects on the results of an alternative modelling assumption. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the effects on the findings of varying key input parameters. Results: A one unit Body Mass Index decrease resulted in improved health outcomes and cost savings/patient (overweight women: 785€, obese women: 1039€, overweight men: 613€, obese men: 864€). For the total overweight and obese population, a cost saving of 2.8 billion euros was estimated. Considering the economic value of the health impact would result in a total economic benefit of about 15.9 billion euros for the Belgian society over a 20 year time period. Conclusions: A one unit Body Mass Index reduction in the overweight and obese population in Belgium was found to be associated with improved health outcomes and cost savings. The evidence of such research can assist regulatory bodies in the allocation of healthcare budgets in a more efficient way. Highlights: Overweight and obesity are a global public health concern. Health economic evaluations provide governments with insights useful for more efficient health care budget allocation. A BMI reduction results in improved health outcomes and lower costs. The Markov model may serve as the basis for future health economic evaluations of weight management strategies.