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Globally, food consumption patterns have shifted towards more energy-dense foods, alongside a significant reduction in physical activity. Overweight and obese people are at significantly higher risk of noncommunicable diseases.
Obesity has a major impact on national economies by reducing productivity and life expectancy and increasing disability and health care costs.
In 2016, more than 2 billion people worldwide were overweight or obese, and more than 70% of them lived in low- and middle-income countries.
Many low- and middle-income countries face a double burden: a high prevalence of undernutrition and obesity. As per capita income increases, the burden of obesity shifts to the poor and rural areas.
To prevent the rise of obesity among future generations, governments and development partners must take a comprehensive approach, placing a strong emphasis on preventive measures.
Promising interventions include: making labeling of processed foods mandatory; increase consumer education; support strong fiscal policies, such as taxing unhealthy foods; invest in early childhood nutrition programs; and improving urban design, such as school playgrounds and walking and cycling paths.
The report concludes that with the support of development partners such as the World Bank, countries are well placed to address the economic and health consequences of obesity. Partners can help countries maximize their impact through global, regional and national advocacy; scale up promising interventions; and strengthen the evidence and knowledge base across all sectors.
