The study also predicted predicts that the global economic impact of overweight and obesity will reach $4.32 trillion (around £3.52 trillion) annually by 2035 if prevention and treatment measures do not improve. At almost 3% of global GDP, this is comparable with the impact of Covid-19 in 2020.
Childhood obesity could more than double by 2035 (from 2020 levels). Rates are predicted to double among boys to 208 million (100% increase) and more than double among girls to 175 million (125% increase). Obesity rates are rising more rapidly among children than adults.
Of the ten countries with the greatest expected increases in obesity globally (for both adults and children), nine of those are from low or lower-middle income countries. All are from either Asia or Africa.
The World Obesity Federation has called for comprehensive national action plans to help countries act on new World Health Organisation (WHO) Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Obesity.