World Obesity Day 2024 marked the release of the sixth World Obesity Atlas, a crucial resource for understanding the global landscape of obesity. This year’s Atlas, themed “Obesity and…”, delves into the profound connection between obesity and preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Building upon previous editions that highlighted rising childhood obesity rates and the economic consequences of excess weight, the 2024 Atlas sharpens its focus on the direct link between high body mass index and major health conditions.
The World Obesity Atlas 2024 provides critical global, regional, and national estimates regarding the contribution of obesity to leading NCDs in adults. Specifically, it quantifies the proportion of type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, and various cancers attributable to high body mass index. This data underscores obesity as a significant and modifiable risk factor for these widespread and debilitating diseases.
Furthermore, recognizing the growing concern of early-onset NCDs, the Atlas 2024 extends its analysis to children. It presents estimates of children exhibiting early indicators of NCDs – such as hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol – and crucially, the proportion of these early signs directly linked to high body mass index. The report further projects the potential positive impact of preventing excess weight in children, estimating the number of young individuals who could avoid developing these conditions.
This comprehensive report serves as an essential tool for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers alike. By providing detailed national scorecards and in-depth analysis, the World Obesity Atlas 2024 strengthens the call for urgent and coordinated action to address the global obesity crisis and mitigate its devastating consequences on public health.
Download the full World Obesity Atlas 2024 report for a complete understanding of the data and insights.
