Obesity could affect 170M people by 2025: WHO

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Obesity jeopardizes people's health and will have drawbacks on the well-being of approximately 167 million people across the world by 2025, the World Health Organization said Friday.

The UN health agency estimates that by 2025, "approximately 167 million people - adults and children - will become less healthy because they are overweight or obese."

March 4 is designated as World Obesity Day, aimed at promoting feasible solutions to halt the global obesity crisis.

The WHO said over a billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, which includes 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children, with the watchdog voicing concern that the numbers are rising.

"Obesity is a disease impacting most body systems. It leads to a range of non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, various forms of cancer, as well as mental health issues," the UN agency said.

The surging numbers in terms of obesity have also been contributing to more COVID-19 hospitalizations, as reported by the United Nations, as obese people are three times more likely to be hospitalized with the virus.

The WHO claims to be addressing the obesity crisis on multiple fronts, such as monitoring global trends and prevalence, developing recommendations for obesity prevention and treatment, and offering countries support for guidance.

"At the same time, countries need to work together to create a better food environment so that everyone can access and afford a healthy diet," the statement also said.

The World Health Organization's secretariat, following a request from the organization's member states, developed an accelerated action plan to curb obesity and bolster the world against the pandemic; it is planned to be discussed at the 76th World Health Assembly in May.