Obesity is accelerating across the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, threatening public health and economic productivity. Despite global recognition of obesity’s impact, progress remains slow. Considering this persistent gap, this paper aims to support APEC economies by summarizing regional responses to rising obesity prevalence, identifying key challenges to policy implementation, and highlighting opportunities for APEC coordination to reduce the burden of obesity across the region.

 

APEC economies have a unique opportunity to leverage regional collaboration to overcome obstacles and reduce the burden of rising obesity. By harnessing the APEC platform for coordinated action and innovation, APEC economies can accelerate progress, close policy gaps, and more effectively address obesity prevalence in the region.