The World Health Organization defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” It’s caused by factors like biology, genetics, environment, and mental health—not laziness or willpower.
Here are 8 critical facts you need to know about obesity – let’s replace stigma with understanding and work toward solutions that address its true complexity.
1. Genes play a huge role
Your genes account for 40–70% of your likelihood of developing obesity. This means biology can make weight management harder, even with diet and exercise.
2. Ultra-processed foods fuel the crisis
The global rise of cheap, ultra-processed foods is a major driver of obesity. These foods are engineered to make people overeat and are heavily marketed, especially in vulnerable communities.
3. “Eat less, move more” doesn’t work alone
Obesity can’t be fixed by diet and exercise alone. Sleep deprivation, stress, medications, and even prenatal conditions can influence weight gain. Exercise helps overall health but isn’t a standalone cure.
4. Stigma makes everything worse
Weight discrimination harms mental health, discourages people from seeking medical care, and wrongly frames obesity as a personal failure. Stigma increases barriers to healthy lifestyles.
5. 800 million people live with obesity
Obesity is a global issue: over 800 million people worldwide are affected. By 2025, its medical costs could exceed $1 trillion.
6. Childhood obesity is skyrocketing
Childhood obesity rates are expected to rise by 60% in the next decade, hitting 250 million cases by 2030. It harms physical health, self-esteem, and academic performance—and often continues into adulthood.
ALSO SEE: How to get your kids into fitness (and actually make it fun!)
7. Poor sleep and stress add to the risk
Lack of sleep disrupts hormones that regulate hunger, and chronic stress can trigger weight gain. Both are overlooked factors in obesity prevention.
8. It’s a global inequality issue
Obesity is rising fastest in low- and middle-income countries. Many now face a “double burden” of undernutrition and obesity, especially in poorer communities.
Learn more at WorldObesityDay.org.
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