Most of the world’s population – more than four billion people – will be overweight by 2035, with almost two billion (around one in four people) likely to be obese, the World Obesity Federation has warned.
Childhood obesity is predicted to more than double, impacting 208 million boys and 175 million girls, the new report based on a global study revealed.
While obesity rates are generally higher in high-income countries, the prevalence of the condition is expected to rise the most in lower-income countries in Africa and Asia, where scarce resources and lack of preparedness will create a “perfect storm”, according to Rachel Jackson-Leach, director of science at the World Obesity Federation.
If “significant action” is not taken to improve prevention and treatment, the economic impact of people being overweight and obese will reach $4.32 trillion (£3.6trn), nearly 3% of global GDP, the federation said.
It added that this would be comparable with the impact of COVID-19 in 2020.
Cost of obesity ‘not fault of those with disease’
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease influenced by biological, social and environmental factors “outside an individual’s control,” according to the federation.
“Let’s be clear: the economic impact of obesity is not the fault of individuals living with the disease,” said Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation.
“It is a result of high-level failures to provide the environmental, healthcare, food, and support systems that we all need to live happy, healthy lives.
“Addressing these issues will be valuable in so many ways, to billions of people.
“We simply cannot afford to ignore the rising rates of obesity any longer.”
The World Health Organization defines overweight as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25, and obesity as a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
Obesity can affect the heart, liver, kidneys, joints and reproductive system, and lead to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
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‘Clear warning’ to act on obesity
None of the WHO member states are on track to reach the goal set in 2013 of getting the rise in obesity to 2010 levels by 2025.
At an event on Monday, the World Obesity Federation and its partners will call for a robust international response to the increasing prevalence of the disease, after World Obesity Day on Saturday 4 March.
Professor Louise Baur, president of the federation, said the report is “a clear warning that by failing to address obesity today, we risk serious repercussions in the future”.
She called on governments and policymakers globally to “do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation”.
She added: “That means looking urgently at the systems and root factors that contribute to obesity, and actively involving young people in the solutions.
“If we act together now, we have the opportunity to help billions of people in the future.”
Last year, the WHO said that the key is to act early, “ideally even before a baby is conceived”. It recommended good nutrition in pregnancy and breastfeeding during infancy.
The WHO also asked countries to make a better food environment for their people so that healthy diets are affordable and accessible to everyone.
Other suggested measures included restricting the marketing of unhealthy food and drinks to children; taxing sugary drinks; making space for safe walking, cycling and recreation in towns and cities; and getting schools to teach children healthy habits.
