Obesity and metabolic state are associated with increased healthcare resource and medication use and costs: a Finnish population-based study

Aino Vesikansa (), Juha Mehtälä, Katja Mutanen, Annamari Lundqvist, Tiina Laatikainen, Tero Ylisaukko-oja, Tero Saukkonen and Kirsi H. Pietiläinen
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Aino Vesikansa: MedEngine Oy
Juha Mehtälä: MedEngine Oy
Katja Mutanen: Novo Nordisk Farma Oy
Annamari Lundqvist: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Tiina Laatikainen: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Tero Ylisaukko-oja: MedEngine Oy
Tero Saukkonen: Novo Nordisk Farma Oy
Kirsi H. Pietiläinen: University of Helsinki

The European Journal of Health Economics, 2023, vol. 24, issue 5, No 7, 769-781

Abstract: Abstract Aim To characterize healthcare resource (HCRU) and medication use and associated costs in individuals with obesity compared with individuals with normal weight or overweight in a population-based cohort of Finnish adults. The association between metabolic state and direct costs was also assessed. Methods The study cohort included 5587 randomly selected individuals who participated in the national FinHealth 2017 health examination survey. Data on healthcare visits and hospital stays, including diagnoses (ICD-10), and purchases and costs of prescription medicines were collected from the nationwide registers by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The healthcare costs were calculated based on standard unit costs reported by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Results The total annual direct costs were €2665 (SD €5673) and €1799 (SD €3874) per person with obesity and with normal weight or overweight, respectively. Obesity was associated with significantly increased total direct (age- and sex-adjusted cost rate ratio, RR, 1.356; p

Keywords: Body mass index; Obesity; Healthcare resource use; Medication use; Costs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01507-0

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