Obesity warning

The World Obesity Federation warns more than half the world’s population will be classed as obese or overweight by 2035 if action is not taken.

The warning comes as World Obesity Day is observed today, March 4.

The Federation’s latest report states more than four billion people will be affected, with rates rising fastest among children.

Low or middle-income countries in Africa and Asia are expected to see the greatest rises.

The report predicts the cost of obesity will amount to more than four trillion annually by 2035.

President of the Federation, Professor Louise Baur, described the report’s findings as a clear warning to countries to act now or risk repercussions in the future.

The report in particular highlights the rising rates of obesity among children and teenagers, with rates expected to double from 2020 levels among both boys and girls.

Reasons include trends in dietary preferences towards more highly processed foods, greater levels of sedentary behaviour and weaker policies to control food supply and marketing.

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