Pakistan Faces Growing Obesity Crisis: Minister Calls for Urgent Action

Islamabad – Pakistan is grappling with a rapidly escalating obesity crisis, posing significant health and economic challenges. Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, has issued a stark warning, emphasizing the urgent demand for coordinated national action to address the issue.

Alarming Statistics and Economic Impact

Nearly 38 million Pakistanis – approximately one in three individuals – are currently living with obesity, a figure described as “alarming” by Dr. Malik . The problem disproportionately affects women and urban populations, with childhood obesity also on the rise.

The economic burden of obesity in Pakistan is substantial. In 2019, healthcare costs related to obesity totaled $3.41 billion, equivalent to 1.1 percent of the country’s GDP . Without sustained intervention, this cost is projected to more than double to $7.6 billion (Rs2.13 trillion) by 2030 .

Obesity as a Major Health Risk

Dr. Malik highlighted that obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for a range of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers . This places increasing pressure on Pakistan’s healthcare system.

National Initiatives and Prevention Strategies

The Ministry of National Health Services, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, organized an event on World Obesity Day 2026 to underscore the need for a coordinated national response. Dr. Malik emphasized that obesity prevention has been integrated into national health planning, including the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus (2024–2029) . This program aims to address the obesity-diabetes continuum through awareness campaigns, behavior change initiatives, and early screening.

Key prevention strategies include promoting balanced diets, discouraging excessive fast food consumption, increasing physical activity, and improving overall lifestyles .

Global Trends and Future Outlook

According to estimates, by 2035, half of the world’s population – around four billion people – will be overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is also rising rapidly, with rates among school-aged children increasing almost five-fold since 1975, particularly in low- and middle-income countries . Obesity in childhood often persists into adulthood, increasing the risk of serious health complications.

Health Secretary Hamed Yaqoob affirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving understanding of obesity, reducing stigma, and expanding access to person-centered care . Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Maja Mortensen emphasized the importance of partnerships promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation for sustainable health solutions.