Childhood Obesity is Rising Fast
Obesity has become a major health problem around the world, affecting many societies and reducing life expectancy.
New WHO data shows that Pacific island nations have the highest obesity rates, Africa is seeing fast increases, and Vietnam stands out as the country with the lowest rate.
American Samoa has the highest obesity rate, with more than three-quarters of its people affected.
Tonga, Nauru, Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tuvalu, and Saoa also have rates above 60 per cent. Fre are also in Indonesia, are also in a macountrie, also in the coufooden.
In these countries, traditional, highly processed foods are prevalent. Reduced physical activity and beliefs linking body size to wealth have also contributed to the problem.
Africa, once known more for undernutrition, is now facing a growing obesity problem. South Africa has the highest rate on the continent, with almost 30 per cent of adults affected.
More people living in cities, eating processed foods, and being less active are key reasons. Eswatini, Seychelles, Mauritius, Botswana, and Egypt are also seeing higher rates.
Childhood obesity is rising fast, with the number of 5 to 19-year-olds affected nearly doubling in ten years. WHO data shows that Africa’s obesity rate went from 8.6 per cent in 2010 to over 12 per cent in 2022, marking a big change in public health.
Obesity is also rising in Latin America and Europe. Chile has the highest rate in Latin America at 39.5 per cent, with Mexico and Argentina not far behind.
The United States has a widespread obesity problem, mainly because of fast food and large portion sizes. Canada’s rate is lower, at 27.3 per cent.
In Europe, the United Kingdom and Germany have around 20 per cent, while France, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain have lower but still significant rates.
Vietnam is a clear exception worldwide. Only 2.1 per cent of its people are obese, which is much lower than in other regions. People in Vietnam mostly eat rice, vegetables, and fish, stay active, and eat very little processed food.
This makes Vietnam stand out even more compared to the high rates in the Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
The WHO’s findings show that obesity is a serious global problem, with very high rates in the Pacific islands, fast increases in Africa, and Vietnam as a rare exception.
These differences mean that urgent, targeted actions are needed to prevent serious health problems worldwide.