Obesity in epidemic proportions in Emerging Markets (EM) , FDA’s openness to new medical technologies for obesity has translated in a investment frenzy amongst investors. Private investors are the most benefited by such investments. Investors are drooling over the potential for multiple returns in the obesity space.
It is unfortunate that emerging markets seem poised to inherit the unwanted side effects of economic progress. Yet if they follow the trends we've seen in the developed world, there will be far-reaching implications for economies and markets. As a result, we think investors should pay close attention to OBESITY as an important indicator of consumer and health-related trends in emerging-market countries. According to a physician entrepreneur “This is a tremendous investment opportunity for private and institutional investors”

 Obesity Epidemic in Emerging Markets Opens Investment Opportunity
Following the West Trend
The average calorie consumption in the US rose steadily from approximately 2,000 calories a day in the early 1960-1970s to 3,800 in 2006, according to UN statistics. About two-thirds of Americans are overweight today, based on the World Health Organization's definition.

China: From Lean to Fat
Today, China seems to be following American patterns. Rapid urbanization and modernization have prompted a sharp decline in physical activity. People are consuming more processed and packaged foods-and more calories.
It’s no surprise that obesity is on the rise. A study published in Obesity Reviews reported that 11.4% of Chinese men were obese in 2009, compared with 2.9% in 1993, and obesity is rapidly rising among women and children, too..

India: From Malnourished to Obese
India was malnourished a 2 decades ago. The obesity index in the urban population has grown over 300%. Patients who are obese are seeking immediate treatment and are ready to pay out of pocket. Patients are looking for the technologies that are made in the US ( it did not matter if the technology was approved or in clinical trial).
Despite strong weight loss data shown by Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass. The patients are looking for something else. They are demanding less invasive procedure and are more assertive in their request. If their request are not met, the patients are shopping for new doctor.  The demand for gastric banding is returning, particularly when US and international experience suggest that almost all Gastric bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy  offer weight loss only until 5-7 yrs. "SO WHY CUT THE GUT?" .

GASTRIC PRESERVATION: The demand of medical device treatment that can offer a minimally invasive, reversible and offer decent weight loss is growing. According to a patient who was 150 Kg and BMI of 40 said " I was recommended Gastric Surgery, I dumped my doctor, I don't want my stomach to be cut and portions of my gut be removed, when I can get a good procedure and be able to upgrade it later if I need it" ," I am only 30 yrs old and don't want to worry about bone loss and other complications because of gastric bypass and Sleeve gastrectomy-go to youtube and see how many people have leaks, bleeds and problems! I don't want that to happen to me" . This individual shopped for a surgeon and got a gastric band like device at another weight loss clinic, lost 50 Kgs in the first year and has kept it off for 30 months.
Investors should take note. If the pattern follows that of developed countries, we would expect to see increasing demand for medical devices like the gastric bands in emerging markets from Johannesburg to Jakarta and  Brazil to China

Opportunity:  Medical  device and drug makers that offer solutions and treatments for obesity should grow rapidly, in our view. California has been a hub for medical technology innovation and had given strong return on investments. These could include companies that develop medical devices or laparoscopic treatments targeting bariatric surgeon users in the US, and devices targeting diabetes.
China & India is already home to the largest number of diabetics in the world-11.6% in China and 14% in India, versus 1% in 1980, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association . In the US, 10.9% of the population suffers from diabetes, reports the International Diabetes Federation ((IDF)).
Investors interested in obesity technologies,  should research carefully using key words “innovations” “obesity” “laparoscopic” “minimally invasive” “reversible” “diabetes”. Contact companies directly to explore investment opportunities..