Half Of The World Will Be Overweight Or Obese By 2035: Study
A new global study found that a majority of people across the world will be overweight or obese in 12 years if current trends prevail. The problem could have the same global economic impact by 2035 as the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
The World Obesity Atlas 2023, compiled by the World Obesity Foundation, found that without treatment or intervention toward prevention, 51% of the global population is predicted to have a high body mass index (BMI ≥25kg/m²) by 2035, and 1 in 4 people will be living with obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m²) compared to 1 in 7 today.
The report also found that obesity in childhood is rising at an alarming speed, with rates expected to double to 208 million among boys, and increase by 125% among girls to 175 million.
“This year’s Atlas is a clear warning that by failing to address obesity today, we risk serious repercussions in the future,” Prof. Louise Baur, President of the World Obesity Federation said in a statement. “It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among children and adolescents.”
She called on policymakers to “do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation,” and to act urgently in examining the root causes and involving the youth in the solutions.
Every year, the Atlas focuses on a theme. This year’s theme is the economic impact of overweight and obesity and how the economic impact will change by 2035. They found that it could cost the global economy over $4 trillion a year by 2035, or close to 3% of global GDP, with North, Central, and South America carrying the highest costs vs GDP at 3.7%, and the Western Pacific Region with the highest total amount at US$1.56 trillion.
“Let’s be clear: the economic impact of obesity is not the fault of individuals living with the disease,” Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation said. “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.”
The report aims to underscore the importance of comprehensive policies and action plans for the prevention, treatment of, and support for those affected by the disease. The World Obesity Federation will be presenting the report to the United Nations at a high-level policy event next week.
Information for this briefing was found via the World Obesity Federation, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.