A new report from the World Obesity Federation has predicted that more than half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2035 if significant action is not taken. The 2023 atlas predicts that 51% of the world, or over four billion people, will be obese or overweight within the next 12 years. Of those, nearly two million, or one in four people, will have obesity. The report found that rates of obesity are rising particularly quickly among children and in lower-income countries. Childhood obesity could more than double from 2020 levels to 208 million boys and 175 million girls by 2035.
The cost to society is significant as a result of the health conditions linked to being overweight, the federation said: more than $4 trillion annually by 2035, or 3% of global gross domestic product (GDP). However, the authors said they were not blaming individuals, but calling for a focus on the societal, environmental and biological factors involved in the conditions. The report uses body mass index (BMI) for its assessments, a number calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. In line with the World Health Organization’s guidelines, a BMI score of more than 25 is overweight and more than 30 is obese. In 2020, 2.6 billion people fell into these categories, or 38% of the world’s population.
Louise Baur, president of the World Obesity Federation, described the data as a “clear warning” and said policymakers needed to act now to prevent the situation from worsening. “It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among children and adolescents,” she said in a statement on Thursday. “Governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social and economic costs on to the younger generation.”
The report also found that almost all of the countries expected to see the greatest increases in obesity in the coming years are low or middle-income countries in Asia and Africa. The data will be presented to United Nations policymakers and member states next week.
The rise in obesity rates is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The report highlights the need for governments and policymakers to take action to address societal, environmental, and biological factors that contribute to obesity. This includes promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity, improving access to healthy food options, and reducing exposure to unhealthy food marketing.
In addition to government action, individuals can also take steps to prevent obesity. This includes making healthy food choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding sedentary behaviors such as prolonged sitting. Parents can also play a role in preventing childhood obesity by modeling healthy behaviors and encouraging their children to be active.
The rise in obesity rates has significant implications for public health and the economy. Obesity is linked to a range of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. These conditions can result in increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. By taking action now, governments and individuals can help prevent the negative consequences of obesity and promote a healthier future for all.