Childhood obesity rates are projected to reach 228 million by 2040, a significant increase from 177 million in 2025. This surge will see obesity surpass the number of underweight children globally for the first time.
The World Obesity Atlas 2026 report highlights that over 180 countries are experiencing rising rates, with the fastest growth occurring in low- and middle-income nations. This trend is expected to place increasing strain on health systems and future generations.
The report indicates that the speed of this increase is particularly alarming, transforming childhood obesity into a major public health, social, and economic development challenge. Early signs of chronic diseases, such as liver disorders and hypertension, are increasingly being observed in children due to high Body Mass Index (BMI), with at least 120 million school-age children anticipated to show these signs by 2040.
While high-income countries once led in obesity rates, the prevalence is now rising fastest in upper-middle-income countries. The Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific regions are expected to continue seeing the highest rates. Factors contributing to this rise include maternal health, early nutrition, inadequate physical activity, insufficient breastfeeding, and the quality of school meals.
Experts emphasize that prevention policies alone are insufficient. The World Obesity Federation is advocating for robust health, food, school, and built-environment policies, alongside equitable access to care and nutritious food for all children. This call to action aligns with global nutrition targets aimed at improving maternal, infant, and young child nutrition.