Why carry out this study ?

Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of obesity, which increases the risk of individuals experiencing multiple chronic complications.

Little published information is available on the costs of these complications. We used a micro-costing approach to estimate the healthcare costs associated with 10 obesity-related complications (ORCs).

What was learned from this study ?

ORCs result in a considerable financial burden on the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia, and substantial cost savings could be achieved by preventing or delaying the occurrence of ORCs. Healthcare resources used to manage these complications could be reassigned to other priorities, resulting in improved quality of care for all patients.

A multifaceted nationwide approach, involving policy-makers as well as public and private healthcare providers, is needed to address both weight management and progression of existing complications in people with obesity.