World Obesity Federation calls for global action on obesity

Highlighting that nearly 1 billion adults and 159 million children and adolescents live with obesity worldwide, the World Obesity Federation has shared its concern that, without coordinated action, these numbers will continue to rise, and potentially nearly double by 2035.

In a recent communication, the World Obesity Federation explained that inaction on this challenge comes at a significant economic cost pointing to the World Obesity Atlas 2023 which shows that, the economic impact of obesity could reach a staggering $4.32 trillion annually by 2035, which is almost 3% of global GDP.

It advises “these figures are comparable to the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic - a crisis that showed us the human and financial impact of delayed action.”

The Federation - a membership organisation representing national and regional associations dedicated to the study and management of obesity - also highlighted its campaign during the recent Global Week for Action on NCDs non-communicable or chronic diseases), held from taking place 15th to 22nd October 2024, during which emphasised the urgent need for a global response to the obesity crisis, which it describes as “a crisis that is too often overlooked in health policy, but is now too significant to ignore.”

Obesity also drives non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, which account for over 70% of global deaths. Despite this, obesity is still frequently left out of high-level health agendas. 

With the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs approaching, now is our opportunity to make sure obesity is prioritised. In an article, A Year to Act, World Obesity outlines the steps needed from governments and health organisations to implement policies, strengthen care systems, and confront the environmental and social factors driving obesity.

It adds “we cannot wait - this is a defining moment to create lasting change.

“It’s time for world leaders to commit to meaningful action. Let’s ensure the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs makes obesity a central focus in the global health agenda.”

The World Obesity Federation (World Obesity), formerly the International Association for the Study of Obesity and the International Obesity Task Force, is the only global organisation focused exclusively on obesity.

Click here to view A Year to Act, World Obesity.

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