If current trends continue, the world could face an alarming reality: within two decades, more than 220 million children could be living with obesity. Experts warn that without strong and immediate action, an entire generation risks entering adulthood with serious health problems.
Childhood obesity could reach record levels by 2040
Without strong interventions and clear health policies, more than 220 million children in the world could suffer from obesity by 2040. This is the warning coming from a recently published international report .
According to global data, in 2025, about 180 million children were obese. But new figures from the World Obesity Federation show that by 2040, about 227 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 could be classified as obese, while more than half a billion are expected to be overweight.
"A generation condemned to disease"
Johanna Ralston, executive director of the World Obesity Federation, said the rise in childhood obesity shows that this disease is still not being taken seriously globally.
"It is not fair to condemn an ??entire generation to obesity and the chronic, often fatal, diseases that accompany it," she said.
Where is the problem most prevalent?
The ten countries where more than half of school-age children are overweight or obese are mostly located in the Western Pacific region and the Americas. However, the fastest increase in obesity is occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
What can be done?
Experts are calling for stronger measures to create healthier environments for children. Key recommendations include:
- tax on drinks and products with a lot of sugar
- strict restrictions on advertising of unhealthy foods (especially before 9:00 PM)
- policies that promote physical activity and active lifestyles in children
- clear labeling on the packaging
- ban on opening fast-food stores near schools
