Key facts
- Childhood obesity rates are rapidly increasing in low and middle-income countries, occurring alongside high rates of undernutrition.
- A global study published in Nature indicates the epicenter of the childhood obesity epidemic is shifting to countries with fewer resources.
- Obesity prevalence among boys rose fastest in Peru (19%), and for girls in Tonga and Samoa.
- Indonesia has seen a significant increase in childhood obesity, now surpassing undernutrition rates among school-aged children.
- Experts fear the rise in non-communicable diseases linked to obesity could negate progress made in fighting infectious diseases.
- Global costs associated with overweight and obesity are projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030 without intervention.
Developing nations are increasingly grappling with a dual health crisis: a rapid rise in childhood obesity alongside persistent rates of undernutrition. This 'double burden' is particularly acute in low and middle-income countries across Africa, Asia, and South America, according to a comprehensive study involving over 1,000 scientists and published in the journal Nature.
The research highlights a significant shift, with the epicenter of the childhood obesity epidemic moving towards countries that have the least capacity to manage the associated healthcare costs. In Peru, obesity rates among boys surged to 19% between 2023-2024, a dramatic increase from less than 8% in 2010. Tonga and Samoa reported the fastest rise in obesity for girls. Indonesia has also seen a substantial increase, with obesity prevalence rising by more than half a percentage point in 2024.
Health experts express grave concern that the escalating rates of non-communicable diseases linked to obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes, could undermine decades of progress in public health, including gains made against infectious diseases. This surge is attributed to the increased availability of cheaper, processed foods and a lack of awareness regarding their health risks.
While weight-loss drugs are aiding in wealthier nations, their accessibility remains limited globally due to production constraints and high costs. The World Health Organization estimates that only 10% of those who could benefit will receive them by 2030. The financial implications are substantial, with global costs associated with overweight and obesity projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030.
In Indonesia, a country that has historically battled undernutrition, obesity among children and adolescents has now surpassed undernutrition rates. This trend, mirrored globally for the first time last year according to UNICEF, affects approximately 20% of the nation's 60 million school-aged children. Despite this, obesity is not widely perceived as a major health issue in Indonesia, and many cases remain undiagnosed. The Indonesian health minister acknowledged the rise but stated it was not among the country's top health priorities, suggesting it is primarily a problem in developed nations.