In this article we will describe 10 facts and figures about obesity.
The term ‘obese’ describes a person who is very overweight, with a lot of body fat.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and in the UK. In the UK, it is estimated that around 1 in every 4 adults, and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10 to 11, are living with obesity.
The rate of childhood obesity has been rising. In 2020, 39 million children under 5 years were overweight or obese. Childhood obesity often leads to obesity in adulthood, and is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases at a younger age.
Obesity significantly increases the risk of:
Obesity is generally caused by consuming more calories – particularly those in fatty and sugary foods – than you need (and can burn off through physical activity). The excess energy is stored by the body as fat.
Obesity is an increasingly common problem because for many people, modern living involves eating excessive amounts of cheap, high-calorie food; and spending a lot of time sitting down, at desks, on sofas or in cars.
There are also some underlying health conditions that can occasionally contribute to weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism); although these type of conditions do not usually cause weight problems if they are effectively controlled with medication.
While lifestyle choices play a significant role, genetics can also influence a person’s susceptibility to obesity. Certain genes can affect how fat is stored and distributed in the body, and how efficiently food is converted into energy.
Environment factors significantly influences obesity rates. Factors such as urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, medication (e.g. steroids), availability of high-calorie foods, and limited access to healthy foods contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Obesity can have a profound effect on mental health. It is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Stigma and discrimination against obese individuals can exacerbate these conditions.
Preventing obesity involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes. Public health initiatives aim to promote healthier lifestyles and create an environment that support healthy choices.
Obesity treatment can include lifestyle changes, medications; and in severe cases, bariatric surgery. Multidisciplinary approaches, involving dietitians, psychologists, and medical professionals, often yield the best outcomes.
Obesity rates vary significantly across different regions and populations.
Prevalence varies by region, from 31% in the WHO South-East Asia Region to 67% in the Region of the Americas.
While high-income countries tend to have higher obesity rates, low- and middle-income countries are experiencing rapid increases in obesity due to changes in diet and physical activity patterns.
The economic impact of obesity is substantial, contributing to higher healthcare costs and loss of productivity. In the U.S. alone, obesity-related healthcare costs are estimated to be over $190 billion annually.
We have described 10 facts and figures about obesity. We hope it has been helpful.
Obesity (NHS England)
Obesity (NHS Scotland)