Health experts have called for urgent intervention from governments globally due to the growing number and implications of obesity, stating that 2 in 3 adults aged above 25 may become obese by 2030 if nothing is done.
One of the researchers who compiled the World Heart Federation report, Mariachiara Di Cesare, a Professor of Population Studies and Global Health, emphasized the need for health systems to strengthen and provide affordable healthcare access for obesity and cardiovascular disease patients.
However, the World Heart Report attributed green spaces, access to affordable food, a shift towards desk jobs, and longer working hours to the rising number of obesity cases.
Also, the report acknowledged that “game-changing” medical interventions such as weight loss drugs show significant improvement.
With about 194 million adults living with obesity in 1990 rising to 878 million in 2022, it is noted that the number has quadrupled and is expected to increase.
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Obesity, known for its health implications and risks, leads to 3.7 million deaths yearly. The NHS said it can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.
The World Heart Federation issued a stern warning that obesity is one of the major drivers of deaths from cardiovascular disease and needs to be addressed.
The report revealed that high BMI now contributes to nearly 10% of all cardiovascular deaths globally, doubling to 1.9 million fatalities over the past 30 years. Children with high BMI face a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease by midlife compared to peers with healthier weights.
The economic toll of obesity is also climbing. Globally, obesity-related healthcare costs, productivity losses, and early deaths now account for 2.2% of GDP—just under $2 trillion annually—with projections rising to 3% by 2060.
Countries like the UK, Japan, and Rwanda are addressing the crisis by limiting fast-food outlets near schools and in high-obesity areas.
New medical treatments, such as the weight-loss jab Wegovy, offer promising results.
However, the report warns that weight stigma remains a major barrier to progress. Many health professionals reportedly hold biased views, seeing patients with obesity as “non-compliant,” which discourages them from seeking care.
The stigma has lasting effects, particularly on children, who face bullying that harms their education and mental health.
“Longstanding weight stigma and discrimination have hindered efforts to tackle obesity and contributed to the rise of CVDs, so it is urgent to address both,” said a Mayo Clinic professor and report co-author while emphasising that effective policies must support underserved groups without reinforcing stigma.
