Amelia Jones | 21/07/2026
HEOR recently co-authored ‘Obesity, employment, and economic productivity in Europe: a systematic literature review’ published in Obesity Reviews. Alexandra Furber, Senior Systematic Reviewer at HEOR, explains the motivation behind the research and provides further insight into the findings.
Looking beyond healthcare: the impact of obesity on employment in Europe
Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges facing Europe. While its impact on health and healthcare costs is well established, less attention has been paid to how obesity affects employment and participation in the workforce.
To explore this issue, we conducted a systematic literature review examining the relationship between obesity and employment-related outcomes among European adults. The review included 34 observational studies published between 2014 and 2024, covering outcomes such as employment status, sickness absence, absenteeism, presenteeism, work ability and productivity.
What did we find?
The evidence suggests that obesity is associated with poorer employment and workplace outcomes. Across the studies reviewed, individuals living with obesity were more likely to experience lower employment rates, greater work absence, reduced work ability and productivity losses than those with lower BMI.
While many studies have previously examined individual outcomes such as absenteeism or unemployment, this review brings together evidence across a broad range of employment measures. The findings show that the impact of obesity extends beyond healthcare settings and can influence how people participate in working life.
Why does this matter?
A key insight from the review is that the burden of obesity may be underestimated when attention is focused solely on direct healthcare costs.
Employment plays an important role in financial wellbeing, social participation and quality of life. When obesity affects an individual’s ability to work or remain productive at work, the consequences can be felt by employees, employers and wider society. These impacts are particularly relevant as many European countries face workforce and productivity challenges.
The findings also suggest that effective obesity prevention and management strategies may deliver benefits that extend beyond improvements in health, supporting greater workforce participation and productivity.
What evidence is still needed?
Although the overall findings were consistent, the review identified several gaps in the evidence base. Outcome measures varied considerably between studies, productivity was often assessed inconsistently, and relatively few studies examined long-term outcomes.
Addressing these limitations through more longitudinal research and greater standardisation of employment and productivity measures would strengthen understanding of the wider societal impact of obesity and support more informed decision-making.
A broader perspective on obesity
Our review highlights the importance of considering obesity as more than a healthcare issue. Its effects can extend into the workplace, influencing employment opportunities, work participation and productivity.
By recognising these wider impacts, policymakers, employers and healthcare stakeholders can develop a more complete understanding of the burden of obesity and the potential benefits of investing in effective prevention and management strategies.