Study finds healthy living could add $16.4 trillion to global GDP
A new whitepaper co-authored by Future Health, the McKinsey Health Institute and Healthy Living at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi estimates that eliminating modifiable behavioural, metabolic and environmental risks could raise annual global GDP by an estimated USD 16.4 trillion in 2050. The analysis projects 1.5 billion disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted, about 47 percent of projected global disease burden, and an increase of 12 years in global healthy life expectancy at birth. The paper presents a five-step government framework and uses Abu Dhabi's Healthy Living Strategy and several national examples to illustrate practical implementation.
Eliminating modifiable risks could raise global GDP by $16.4 trillion.
Context
The UN political declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health was adopted in December 2025. The whitepaper was released at UNGA 81 to help governments turn that declaration into national action. Governments may next consider…
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