On the occasion of World Obesity Day, theWHO urges countries to do more to reverse this predictable and preventable health crisis.
Obesity is a disease that affects most body systems. It affects the heart, liver, kidneys, joints and reproductive system. It leads to a series of non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, various forms of cancer, as well as mental health problems.
People with obesity are also three times more likely to be hospitalized with a Covid-19 infection.
Once considered a problem of high-income countries, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.
Obesity is preventable
The key to obesity prevention is to act early, ideally before a baby is even conceived. Good nutrition during pregnancy, followed by exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond, is best for all infants and young children.
At the same time, countries must work together to create a better food environment so that everyone can access and afford healthy food.
Effective measures include limiting the marketing of foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt to children, taxing sugary drinks and facilitating access to healthy and affordable food. Cities and towns must make room for safe walking, cycling and recreation, and schools must help households instill healthy habits in children from an early age.
The WHO is responding to the global obesity crisis on many fronts. Among other things, it monitors global trends and prevalence, develops a wide range of guidelines on the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity, and provides countries with support and guidance for implementation.
At the request of Member States, the WHO Secretariat is developing an accelerated action plan to halt obesity, tackle the epidemic in high prevalence countries and catalyze global action. This plan will be considered at the 76th World Health Assembly, to be held in May 2022.