The World Obesity Atlas 2025, recently published by the World Obesity Federation, provides a stark overview of the growing global obesity crisis, highlighting that, without immediate action, the number of people affected by this issue could more than double over the next few decades. The report emphasizes that obesity has become one of the leading threats to public health worldwide, with significant negative impacts on life expectancy and a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Obesity has numerous negative health effects that can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. Current trends showed in the report suggest that by 2030, 50% of adult men and women will be living with high body mass index (BMI). In the same year, 17% of men and 22% of women will be living with obesity.
As explained in the report, obesity is a major risk factor for NCDs, which are responsible for a large proportion of premature deaths worldwide. People with obesity face a higher risk of developing chronic diseases that require costly and long-term treatment. In fact, obesity represents a significant economic burden on healthcare systems, both in direct costs (medical care) and indirect costs (lost productivity and disability). Additionally, the psychological impacts of obesity, such as depression and low self-esteem, must also be considered when addressing this issue.
To curb the rise of obesity and its consequences on public health, the Atlas urges governments and international organizations to implement comprehensive policies that tackle obesity from multiple angles. This includes, as shown by scientific literature, promoting healthy eating habits, ensuring access to fresh and nutritious foods, creating urban environments that encourage physical activity, and regulating the advertising of unhealthy foods, particularly those targeted at children. It also highlights the need to improve healthcare services to better address obesity-related conditions.
In conclusion, the World Obesity Atlas 2025 serves as a reminder that obesity is not just an individual problem but a global public health crisis that requires immediate and coordinated action. Combating obesity is crucial to improving global health and quality of life in the decades to come.
Editor of Daily 27.
Predoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology in University of Barcelona.