Burden of obesity in local health systems: A comparative analysis across three integrated care boards in England with a focus on type 2 diabetes
Authors' conclusion
This study demonstrates the significant and variable local economic burden of obesity. Disparities in per-patient costs, sex and complication profiles highlight the need for stratified, data-driven commissioning. Targeted prevention in high-burden areas can help ICBs reduce system pressures and guide effective local strategies.
Study context
- Population
- Adults living with obesity in three Integrated Care Boards in Englandadults with obesity
- Participants
- 599,248 adults
- Comparison
- Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland vs Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes vs Northamptonshire
- Outcome
- Economic burden of obesity (health care, social care, productivity and economic and quality of life associated costs), with focus on T2D and related complications
Methodological detailsadapted burden of obesity model, comparative analysis across three integrated care boards
- Adapted burden of obesity model
- Comparative analysis across three integrated care boards
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Economic burden of obesity
Informal care share of social care expenditure
96%
Further findings
Obesity-related complications
- T2D and hypertension among the most prevalent and costly complications; stroke and coronary heart disease had the highest per-patient costs
- Coexisting coronary heart disease with T2D significantly increased treatment costs
Age and sex
- Obesity more prevalent among working-age adults; males incurred higher per-patient complication costs across all conditions and ICBs
Original publication
Burden of obesity in local health systems: A comparative analysis across three integrated care boards in England with a focus on type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med. Published 31 January 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →