In recent years, the Asia and Pacific region has recorded high rates not only of economic growth, but also of overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for various chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Both conditions are typically chronic and often require lifelong treatment, which weighs heavily on the health spending both of households and governments. Furthermore, both conditions reduce productivity and thus have a direct impact on economic output. Yet, for many governments in the region the problem of overweight and obesity is new and not yet well understood.

We are therefore looking for original/unpublished scientific papers that shed new light on the topic “Overweight and Obesity in Asia and the Pacific.” All papers should be based on sound theoretical and/or empirical evidence.

The papers should be related to, though not limited to, one the following topics:

Determinants of overweight and obesity across countries or within countries across different stratifications (age, gender, education, income, rural/urban, etc.) as well as across time.
Country studies on the cost of illness, including the costs for health systems as well as the economic costs (including macroeconomic impact) of overweight and obesity.
Case studies of experiences to reduce overweight and obesity implementing non-market (such as education) or market measures (such as sugar tax).