Citizens the world have been given a gloomy and worrying health warning – half us will be classed as obese or overweight 2035. The World Obesity Federation (WOF) has warned that just over a decade, more than four billion people will be too heavy their own well-being. There are currently a billion obese people the world. The fastest rising rates are children and adolescents. The WHO defines obesity as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk health". A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and 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" the future. It said the rise was "particularly worrying". It added that, "governments and policymakers the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs to the younger generation". The federation called the root causes to be addressed. These include an increased consumption highly processed foods, greater levels sedentary behaviour, and a lack healthcare services to assist weight management. The WOF recommended restricting the marketing food that has high fat, salt or sugar content, and providing healthy food schools.
