Half of humanity on track to be overweight by 2035
More than half the world’s population will be classed as obese or overweight by 2035 if action is not taken, the World Obesity Federation warns.
More than four billion people will be affected, with rates rising fastest among children, its report says.
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 $4tn (£3.3tn) annually by 2035.
The president of the federation, Prof 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.
Prof Baur said the trend was “particularly worrying”, adding that “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” by assessing “the systems and root factors” that contribute to obesity. [Continue reading…]