Half World Overweight by 2035

A global study presented to the UN predicts that more than half the world’s population will be classed as overweight or obese within 12 years if prevention, treatment and support do not improve.

Compiled and published by the World Obesity Federation the report predicts more than 4 million people will be affected, with rates rising fastest among children.

Rises in obesity rates around the world will have a significant impact on the global economy, equating to 3% of global Gross Domestic Product. The annual cost to 2035 is estimated at around $4 Trillion.

Significant rises are expected to be seen in low or middle-income countries in Africa and Asia hurting their economic development.

Data revealed at the recent Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes International Conference in Berlin highlighted the rise among children and young adolescents leading to type 2 diabetes among a group more associated with type 1.

Professor Chantal Mathieu, the Vice-Chair at the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) gave the opening lecture at the conference and revealed that increases in type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents were so great that this was becoming the new face of diabetes.

There is a close association between obesity and type 2 diabetes. The likelihood and severity of type 2 diabetes are closely linked with body mass index (BMI). There is a seven times greater risk of diabetes in obese people compared to those of healthy weight, with a threefold increase in risk for overweight people.

Advocacy Action:

Does your country have a diabetes prevention plan that includes obesity? Are you seeing rises in type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents? Is your Finance Ministry aware of the increased resources that will be required to meet the treatment needs and the more expensive medical interventions that will arise later in life for someone with type 2 diabetes? Can you obtain data from your government and share it publicly?