A new report by McKinsey estimates that obesity is costing the global economy $2 trillion per year. That makes it nearly as damaging as armed conflict or smoking, according to the consultants.  

More than 2 billion people – or almost 30% of the global population – are currently considered overweight or obese, and the problem is expected to get worse.

Based on current trends, nearly half of the world’s adults will be overweight or obese by 2030.  "Obesity, which should be preventable, is now responsible for about 5% of all deaths worldwide,“ the report stated.

Smoking is considered the most expensive man-made burden on the economy with a cost of $2.1 trillion, followed closely by armed conflict.  The damage caused by obesity mainly comes from lost productivity due to disability and premature death, and higher healthcare costs.