The World Obesity Federation estimates that 51% of the world’s population, or 4 billion people, will be overweight or obese by 2035 if prevention and treatment of this epidemic is not prioritized.
According to the World Obesity Atlas report, published by the Gasol Foundation, which is dedicated to preventing childhood obesity, the global economic impact of overweight and obesity will reach 4,320 million dollars (4,050 million euros) per year for 12 years, which which represents almost 3% of world GDP.
The report, published in the context of World Obesity Day, celebrated on March 4, reveals that in 2035 obesity could reach more than double the child population compared to 2020, a faster increase than expected, higher among girls than among boys.
In low-income countries, which are nine out of ten countries in the world where the greatest increase is expected, it is estimated that the greatest growth in the prevalence of obesity will be even faster, located in Asia or Africa.
In view of the data, the World Obesity Federation highlights the need to develop national action plans against obesity throughout the world, “such as the National Strategic Plan for the Reduction of Childhood Obesity, recently approved in Spain”, according to Gasol Foundation study.
As explained by the Foundation, “an ally of the plan against childhood obesity”, 200 measures are included to be carried out until 2030 with the aim of reducing excess weight by 25% and the social gap in obesity by 40%.
Source: TSF
