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Today, one billion people are living with obesity. By 2035, four billion people – half of the global population – are expected to be living with overweight and obesity. These figures reflect one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time. However, the impact goes far beyond statistics. A growing number of children now face an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases at an early age.
This World Obesity Day, the global health community calls for coordinated action to prevent obesity, reduce stigma and strengthen systems that support healthier lives from the earliest years. Addressing childhood obesity is central to this effort. Without decisive action, health systems will face mounting pressure, and millions of young people will live longer with preventable conditions. Yet with evidence-based policies and community engagement, change remains possible.
Rates of overweight and obesity among school-aged children have risen from 4% in 1975 to nearly 20% in 2022. The steepest increases are occurring in low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention, diagnosis and long-term care may be limited. As a result, many children grow up without the support they need to protect their health.
Childhood obesity often continues into adulthood. Consequently, the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers increases significantly. Early signs of heart disease already appear in some children. Moreover, type 2 diabetes, once considered a condition of later life, is now increasingly diagnosed in adolescents. This shift signals an urgent need for prevention strategies that begin early and remain consistent across the life course.
Rates of overweight and obesity among school-aged children have risen from 4% in 1975 to nearly 20% in 2022
Over 90% of people with diabetes globally live with type 2 diabetes. This condition is strongly associated with overweight and obesity. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance. In this state, the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose. Over time, blood glucose levels rise, leading to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
When this process begins in childhood or adolescence, the long-term consequences can be serious. Young people living with type 2 diabetes face a higher lifetime risk of complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. With these optics, preventing obesity in childhood introduces a lifelong strategy that can reduce the global burden of diabetes. In addition, prevention supports emotional well-being.
Children living with obesity frequently experience bullying and stigma, which can damage self-esteem and mental health. The impact of obesity on young people goes beyond the physical. It can also have significant emotional and psychological consequences. Children with obesity often experience bullying and social stigma, causing low self-esteem and poor body image. These negative experiences can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and overall well-being.
Schools and communities can nurture an environment that encourages healthy behaviours. The risk of obesity is increased by diets rich in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats. Schools can advocate for physical education and nutritious meals and restrict access to unhealthy snacks and drinks. Incorporation of health education in the curriculum enhances understanding of healthy living and obesity risks.
Starting early with diabetes education can be a stepping-stone toward a diabetes-free future. One focus of the International Diabetes Federation’s Kids and Diabetes in School (KiDS) programme is to bring diabetes awareness to the classroom and promote healthy lifestyles.
Over 90% of people with diabetes globally live with type 2 diabetes. This condition is strongly associated with overweight and obesity
Obesity does not develop in isolation. It reflects complex interactions between biology, environment and society. Poverty, limited access to affordable and nutritious food, unsafe neighbourhoods and unequal access to healthcare all influence health outcomes. At the same time, aggressive marketing of energy-dense foods and limited urban planning for physical activity further restrict healthy choices.
Weight bias remains a significant barrier to care. Children and adults living with obesity often encounter stigma in schools, workplaces and healthcare settings. Such experiences can delay diagnosis and reduce trust in health services. Furthermore, stigma may discourage people from seeking support. A comprehensive response must therefore go beyond individual behaviour change. It should prioritise dignity, equity and access to quality care for every person living with overweight or obesity.
Early intervention is both effective and cost-efficient. Routine health checks, including body mass index monitoring, can help identify children at risk. When healthcare professionals intervene early, families can receive guidance and support before complications develop. However, healthcare systems cannot act alone.
Schools play a transformative role in shaping lifelong habits. Nutritious school meals, regular physical education and health literacy programmes encourage healthier behaviours. Initiatives such as the International Diabetes Federation’s Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS) programme demonstrate how education settings can raise awareness and promote prevention. Meanwhile, communities can create safe spaces for physical activity and improve access to affordable, healthy foods. Parents and carers also influence outcomes. By modelling balanced lifestyles and encouraging active play, they help children develop sustainable habits that reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Weight bias remains a significant barrier to care. Children and adults living with obesity often encounter stigma in schools, workplaces and healthcare settings
The rise to four billion people living with overweight and obesity by 2035 is not inevitable. With coordinated policies, sustained investment and meaningful engagement with people living with obesity, countries can alter the current trajectory. Prevention must start early, but it must also continue across the lifespan.
World Obesity Day 2026 calls on governments, healthcare professionals, educators, advocates and communities to work together. Reducing stigma, strengthening prevention strategies and ensuring equitable access to care remain essential priorities. There are eight billion reasons to take part. Together, we can change the story of childhood obesity and reduce the growing burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide.
Follow the campaign at worldobesityday.org.
