ISLAMABAD: South Asia is transitioning from communicable diseases and maternal health challenges to confronting non-communicable diseases as the leading cause of death and disability, according to a World Bank report.

Addressing obesity through food systems in South Asia, the report, `Nourishing Tomorrow`, says the ratio of overweight individuals and the prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly among both adults and children in all South Asian countries.

Between 2000 and 2022, overweight and obesity rates increased to 27.5 per cent from seven per cent in Bangladesh, 48.4pc from 22pc in Bhutan, 30.5pc from 11.5pc in India, 55pc from 28pc in the Maldives, 31.6 pc from 11pc in Nepal, 56.3pc from 24pc in Pakistan, and 39.4pc from 15.9pc in Sri Lanka.

Overweight and obesity are estimated to cost the global economy $1.96 trillion, a figure that is expected to rise to $4.32tr by 2035.

Economic losses related to obesity are estimated at 3.58pc to 8.73pc of GDP in developing Asian countries, but a lack of studies in this region means that the true value of economic losses is likely to be far higher, the report says.

The rapid rise in obesity-associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a critical public health threat to the region. While countries across the region have made efforts to combat this threat, the response has been insufficient.

The findings from an analysis of the report highlighted a significant association between obesity and its related co-morbidities like T2DM, hypertension, and CVDs in South Asia.

Overall, half of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is attributable to overweight and obesity, and a similar pattern was observed for hypertension.

The prevalence of underweight among adults has sharply declined across the region over the same period.

This period coincides with a significant economic expansion in South Asia, possibly leading to reduced poverty rates, improved food security, and enhanced health care services, especially in reproductive health.