World Obesity Day 2022 – Accelerating action to stop obesity

rn rn rn rnrn rn Normalrn 0rn rn rn rn rn falsern falsern falsern rn EN-CArn X-NONErn AR-SArn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rnrn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rnrnrn /* Style Definitions */rn table.MsoNormalTablernt{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;rntmso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;rntmso-tstyle-colband-size:0;rntmso-style-noshow:yes;rntmso-style-priority:99;rntmso-style-parent:””;rntmso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;rntmso-para-margin:0cm;rntmso-pagination:widow-orphan;rntfont-size:10.0pt;rntfont-family:”Times New Roman”,serif;}rnrn

A Growing Health Threat

Are we prepared to confront a disease that can affect hearts, livers, and almost every vital system? World Obesity Day spotlights a global crisis that continues to worsen each year. Obesity impacts the heart, liver, kidneys, joints, and reproductive systems. It causes various noncommunicable diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, hypertension, strokes, and specific cancers. Mental health problems often occur too. Evidence shows people with obesity face three times the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization.

World Obesity Day

underscores the urgency to stop these escalating issues. Experts warn that global hacking of online health records has risen, but obesity data is equally alarming. By 2023, online accounts at risk may triple, and by that same timeframe, obesity numbers continue climbing. This disease is not only personal; it’s also a public concern that affects healthcare systems worldwide.

Preventing Obesity from Day One

Prevention starts before birth. Good prenatal nutrition, along with exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continuing past two years, can protect infants from early weight issues. This approach sets a strong foundation for healthy children.

However, global collaboration is essential to address World Obesity Day goals. Together, countries must work on food environments that help everyone access affordable, nutritious diets. Some practical solutions include restricting ads for sugary or high-fat products that target children. Taxing sugar-loaded drinks is another proven step. Expanding safe spaces for walking, cycling, and recreation in cities helps children and families stay active. Schools also play a key role by teaching healthy habits early on.

The World Health Organization (WHO) works on multiple fronts to tackle this crisis. They monitor trends, create guidelines for prevention and treatment, and offer support to countries. Following Member States’ requests, the WHO secretariat is developing an acceleration action plan to stop obesity. This plan aims to reduce high-burden cases and spur wider change. It will be discussed at the 76th World Health Assembly in May 2022. Through these measures, World Obesity Day gains stronger momentum to reverse troubling obesity rates.

[image1]

Maintaining a Safer Future

World Obesity Day cannot succeed without continued awareness of the dangers obesity poses. People everywhere should recognize that it increases the likelihood of severe health conditions. Nations must unite in shifting food production, marketing, and access. That includes promoting tax policies or encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables at lower prices.

In towns and cities, urban planning can improve sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks. This promotes daily movement for children and adults alike. Schools should teach balanced diets and highlight the importance of sports and recess. Parents and guardians also need health education to reinforce consistent, good habits.

Correction Note and Updated Data

On 29 February 2024, the WHO made corrections to a specific paragraph regarding obesity statistics. The original text stated:

“More than 1 billion people worldwide are obese – 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children. This number is still increasing. WHO estimates that by 2025, approximately 167 million people – adults and children – will become less healthy because they are overweight or obese.”

The corrected version clarifies that the previous figures for adolescents and children included those who were overweight but not necessarily obese. The year of the data was also specified, reflecting a more accurate measure of people living with obesity. It’s a reminder of how important precise data is in the global fight against obesity.

World Obesity Day efforts depend on transparent reporting, so policymakers and health agencies can target the right groups. Ensuring the correct data is available helps refine approaches to prevention, intervention, and resource allocation.

Conclusion

World Obesity Day highlights a crisis that endangers millions and strains health systems worldwide. Early nutrition, safe spaces for physical activity, and regulated food environments are crucial. The WHO is leading vital discussions and forming action plans to spur progress. Meanwhile, accurate data and committed leadership are essential for reversing obesity trends. By acting now, we can accelerate global efforts to stop obesity and create a healthier future for everyone.