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.
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.
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