The largest increases in obesity rates are expected to be seen in Africa and Asia, according to the World Obesity Federation.
More than half of the world’s population will be classified as overweight or obese by 2035 if no steps are taken to contain the problem, warns the World Obesity Federation.
More than four billion people will be affected, with rates rising fastest, particularly among children, according to the report.
Low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia are expected to see the largest increases.
The report projects that the cost of obesity will reach more than $4 trillion annually by 2035.
Federation president Louise Baur described the report’s findings as a clear warning to countries to act now to avoid problems in the future.
The report highlights, in particular, the increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents, which are expected to double compared to 2020 levels among both boys and girls.
According to Baur, this trend is “particularly concerning”.
“Governments and policymakers around the world must do everything possible to avoid passing health, social and economic costs on to younger generations,” he says.
The report also highlights the effects of the prevalence of obesity in low-income countries. Nine of the 10 countries with the largest expected increases in obesity rates globally are low- and middle-income nations in Africa and Asia.
Among the reasons are a tendency to include highly processed foods in the diet, higher levels of sedentary behavior, weaker public policies to control food sourcing and advertising, and less resourced health services to help with weight control and health care. health education.
Low-income countries are “often the least able to respond to obesity and its consequences”.
The findings estimate that rising obesity rates worldwide will have a significant impact on the global economy, accounting for 3% of global gross domestic product (GDP).
The report makes clear that the economic impact of obesity “in no way reflects the guilt of people living with obesity.”
The data published in the report will be presented on Monday at the United Nations (UN).
Obesity is the medical term used to describe a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat.
The report uses the body mass index (BMI) to make its assessments. BMI is calculated by dividing an adult’s weight by their height squared.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
