Obesity is costing the Canary Islands an estimated €327.5 million every year, according to new figures presented to the Canary Islands Parliament, with experts warning that greater investment in prevention and treatment could deliver significant savings for both the healthcare system and the wider economy.

Speaking before a parliamentary committee, Álvaro Hidalgo, President of the Weber Foundation, described the financial burden as "unsustainable" but said that treating obesity represents one of the most cost-effective public health investments available.

More Than 406,000 Adults Living with Obesity

Using the example of a fictional 52-year-old Gran Canaria resident named "Yaiza" to illustrate the impact of obesity, Hidalgo explained that her case reflects the reality faced by tens of thousands of people across the islands.

According to 2025 data, more than 406,000 adults in the Canary Islands are living with obesity, representing 21.4% of the adult population.

The report estimates that around 77,700 people are living with obesity alongside Type 2 diabetes, while approximately 38,000 also have high blood pressure.

The Financial Cost

The Foundation estimates that obesity generates substantial healthcare costs, including hospital treatment, medication and ongoing medical care.

For patients living with obesity, annual healthcare costs average €7,907 per person, while treatment for obesity-related conditions adds further pressure on the health service.

Beyond healthcare spending, obesity also has a significant impact on the economy through reduced productivity.

The report estimates that lost productivity costs around €23.8 million each year, with around 15% of workers living with obesity reporting sickness absence linked to health problems such as fatigue and related illnesses.

Wider Social Impact

The report also highlights the broader effects obesity can have on people's lives. According to the findings:

• 66% of workers with obesity say they have experienced discrimination during job interviews or in the workplace.
• 74% report reduced mobility.
• 96% experience a negative emotional impact, including anxiety or depression.

The Foundation argues that these factors demonstrate obesity should be treated as a complex, chronic medical condition rather than simply a lifestyle issue.

Prevention Could Save Millions

Hidalgo told lawmakers that reducing obesity by between 5% and 10% could generate substantial savings for the Canary Islands' public healthcare system.

The report estimates that achieving those reductions could save around €61 million, making investment in prevention, early intervention and treatment financially worthwhile as well as improving public health.

He also raised concerns that some effective obesity treatments are not currently funded by Spain's public health system, meaning access often depends on a person's financial circumstances.

The Foundation is calling for a stronger focus on prevention, improved training for healthcare professionals and earlier intervention through primary care, arguing that tackling obesity now will benefit patients, the healthcare system and society as a whole.