World Obesity

​Half of world population will be overweight by 2035.

​Citizens of the world have been given a gloomy and worrying health warning – half of us will be classed as obese or overweight by 2035. The World Obesity Federation (WOF) has warned that in just over a decade, more than four billion people will be too heavy for their own well-being. There are currently over a billion obese people in the world. The fastest rising rates are among children and adolescents. The WHO defines obesity as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health". A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. In June 2013, the American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease. Many health organizations have described it as a pandemic.

​The WOF warned immediate action must be taken to avoid "serious repercussions" in the future. It said the rise was "particularly worrying". It added that, "governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation". The federation called for the root causes to be addressed. These include an increased consumption of highly processed foods, greater levels of sedentary behaviour, and a lack of healthcare services to assist in weight management. The WOF recommended restricting the marketing of food that has high fat, salt or sugar content, and providing healthy food in schools.

Multiple Choice

Citizens of the world have issued a gloomy health warning.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

More than 4 billion people will be overweight or obese by 2035.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

There are just fewer than a billion obese people in the world today.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Anyone with a BMI of more than 25 is obese.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The WOF said serious percussions will lead to immediate actions.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The WOF said health costs should not be passed to future generations.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The WOF wants the causes of the roots to be dug up.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The WOF recommended providing healthier meals in schools.

• True

• False

​a) What do you think about what you read? b) What immediate action should be taken? c) What does your government do about obesity? d) Should processed foods be banned? e) Should junk food be banned? f) How can we get people to exercise more? g) How can we get people to eat healthier food? h) What questions would you like to ask the W

​Why is obesity on the increase around the world? b) Do you worry about your weight? c) What health problems does obesity cause? d) What costs does obesity add to society? e) How will the world be different is most people are obese? f) Why are more and more children becoming obese? g) What do you know about the BMI? h) Do you agree that obesity is a pandemic?