Currently, there are 158 million obese children around the world. With a calculated risk score for obesity in the next 10 years for 191 countries, it is estimated that more than 250 million more children and adolescents will be classed as obese by 2030, putting a lot of pressure on healthcare systems. This report was published by the World Obesity Federation's first Atlas of Childhood Obesity.
Decrease in health
The report stated that children in developing countries like Asia, Africa, and Latin America were at risk because of the fast-changing lifestyles and the growing popularity and the aggressive marketing of fast food and junk food.
Dr. Tim Lobstein, the director of policy at the WOF and one of the authors of the report, said that there is a transition away from the traditional diets and ways of doing things. With the rise of technology, people are moving less and expending less energy. People are now becoming more sedentary and are adopting a Western-style diet that includes foods rich in oil sugar, starch, and fat.
The report also said that no county would meet the target that was agreed to at the World Health Organization summit in 2013, which mandated that childhood obesity should not be higher in 2025 than they were between 2010 and 2012.
Dr. Lobstein also said that he was surprised by the massive increase in the number of obese children forecast by the report. Childhood obesity is linked to obesity in adulthood, so this increase in obesity by 2030 will put a huge burden on the health systems that are given the link in chronic diseases.
Obesity in children
In America alone, about 26.3% of five to nine-year-old children and 24.2% of 10 to 19-year-old teens would be obese in the next decade, giving that America has a 17% chance of meeting the WHO 2025 target because of the kinds of food that are available in the country. Fast foods are more accessible than healthy foods, and they are cheaper too.
By 2030, America is expected to have 17 million obese children in the next 10 years, and this will be the largest number right after China and India. Lobstein said that aside from less active lifestyles, developing countries are reliant on food imports, which are usually highly processed and heavy on fat and sugar.
Lobstein also expressed his concern about the mindset of the younger generation, as he thought they would take an activist stance towards obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Dr. Lobstein also added that there should not be a stigma against the individual who is considered obese because it is a social problem and not a private problem.
The World Health Organization is campaigning towards healthy living, and they are encouraging everyone, especially children, to eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, cut down your consumption of fatty and sugary foods, and get enough sleep.
Dr. Lobstein also encourages people to walk more, get involved in physical activities, and be watchful of their diet. Obesity is linked to a lot of health problems. As much as possible, start living a healthy lifestyle.