A study by Novo Nordisk Research and University College London indicates that in order to stabilise UK diabetes rates at 10%, obesity prevalence must fall from 32% to 24%.
The research also predicts that globally obesity prevalence worldwide will rise from 14% in 2017 to 22% in 2045.
Dr Alan Moses of Novo Nordisk Research says: "These numbers underline the staggering challenge the world will face in the future in terms of numbers of people who are obese, or have type 2 diabetes, or both. As well as the medical challenges these people will face, the costs to countries’ health systems will be enormous."
He adds: "Despite the challenge all countries are facing with obesity and diabetes, the tide can be turned - but it will take aggressive and coordinated action to reduce obesity and individual cities should play a key role in confronting the issues around obesity, some of which are common to them all and others that are unique to each of them."
The study warns that almost a quarter of the world’s population may be obese by 2045 and 12% will have type 2 diabetes if the current rate continues.