Childhood obesity to rise by more than half by 2050 – research
Obese baby put on diet
Childhood obesity in the UK will increase by over 50 per cent by 2050, according to new research published in The Lancet.
Obesity rates for girls aged 5-14 are projected to rise from 12 per cent in 2021 to 18.4 per cent in 2050, while boys in the same age group will see a rise from 9.9 per cent to 15.5 per cent.
Globally, over half of adults and a third of children and adolescents are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2050.
Experts call the global obesity epidemic a "profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure”, emphasising the need for urgent policy changes and action.
The study shows that younger generations are gaining weight faster and developing obesity earlier, increasing their risk of serious health problems like diabetes and cancer at younger ages.