Note 09/05/2013 A presentation error has been identified in the data in tables 7.1 and 7.2 originally included in this publication. The tables have been republished with corrected figures. The accompanying errata note provides more detail. The Health and Social Care Information Centre apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Summary: This statistical report presents a range of information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources. The topics covered include: Overweight and obesity prevalence among adults and children Physical activity levels among adults and children Trends in purchases and consumption of food and drink and energy intake Health outcomes of being overweight or obese. This report contains seven chapters which consist of the following: Chapter 1: Introduction; this summarises government policies, targets and outcome indicators in this area, as well as providing sources of further information and links to relevant documents. Chapters 2 to 6 cover obesity, physical activity and diet and provides an overview of the key findings from these sources, whilst maintaining useful links to each section of these reports. Chapter 7: Health Outcomes; presents a range of information about the health outcomes of being obese or overweight which includes information on health risks, hospital admissions and prescription drugs used for treatment of obesity. Figures presented in Chapter 7 have been obtained from a number of sources and presented in a user-friendly format. Some of the data contained in the chapter have been published previously by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) or the National Audit Office. Previously unpublished figures on obesity-related Finished Hospital Episodes and Finished Consultant Episodes for 2011/12 are presented using data from the HSCIC's Hospital Episode Statistics as well as data from the Prescribing Unit at the HSCIC on prescription items dispensed for treatment of obesity.

This statistical report presents a range of information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources.

The topics covered include:

• Overweight and obesity prevalence among adults and children

• Physical activity levels among adults and children

• Trends in purchases and consumption of food and drink and energy intake

• Health outcomes of being overweight or obese.

This report contains seven chapters which consist of the following:

• Chapter 1: Introduction; this summarises government policies, targets and outcome indicators in this area, as well as providing sources of further information and links to relevant documents.

• Chapters 2 to 6 cover obesity, physical activity and diet and provides an overview of the key findings from these sources, whilst maintaining useful links to each section of these reports.

• Chapter 7: Health Outcomes; presents a range of information about the health outcomes of being obese or overweight which includes information on health risks, hospital admissions and prescription drugs used for treatment of obesity.

• Figures presented in this report have been obtained from a number of sources and presented in a user-friendly format. Some of the data contained in the chapter have been published previously by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). Previously unpublished figures on obesity-related Finished Hospital Episodes and Finished Consultant Episodes for 2012-13 are presented using data from the HSCIC's Hospital Episode Statistics as well as data from the Prescribing Unit at the HSCIC on prescription items dispensed for treatment of obesity.

Panama PA: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 10.900 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11.100 % for 2023. Panama PA: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 10.900 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.500 % in 2019 and a record low of 8.300 % in 2000. Panama PA: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Panama – Table PA.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Note, August 2011: A number of errors have been identified in Table 7.5 - GHQ 12 score by body mass index (BMI) and gender, 2008 on page 62 of the Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet: England, 2011 report. The errors also affect the corresponding table in the accompanying Excel workbook. The commentary in the pdf report is unaffected. Please see the errata note for further information and corrected figures. The NHS IC apologises for any inconvenience this may have caused. Summary: This statistical report presents a range of information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources. The topics covered include: overweight and obesity prevalence among adults and children physical activity levels among adults and children trends in purchases and consumption of food and drink and energy intake health outcomes of being overweight or obese This report contains seven chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction; this summarises Government plans and targets in this area, as well as providing sources of further information and links to relevant documents. Note, many of these were introduced by the previous government but were relevant at the time the data were collected. Chapters 2 to 6 cover obesity, physical activity and diet providing an overview of the key findings from a number of sources of previously published information, whilst maintaining useful links to each section of the reports. Additional analysis has been undertaken of the Health Survey for England (HSE) to provide more detailed information previously unpublished. Chapter 7: Health Outcomes; presents a range of information about the health outcomes of being obese or overweight which includes information on health risks, hospital admissions and prescription drugs used for treatment of obesity. Figures presented in Chapter 7 have been obtained from a number of sources and presented in a user-friendly format. Most of the data contained in the chapter have been published previously by the NHS Information Centre or the National Audit Office. Previously unpublished figures on obesity-related Finished Hospital Episodes and Finished Consultant Episodes for 2009/10 are presented using data from the NHS Information Centre's Hospital Episode Statistics as well as data from the Prescribing Unit at the NHS Information Centre on prescription items dispensed for treatment of obesity.

In 2022, over ** percent of both men and women in the United States reported themselves as obese (BMI over 30), making it the country with the highest percentage of obese adults on this list. Other selected countries on the list with a high prevalence of obesity among adults included the United Kingdom and Australia. Obesity groups in the United States In 2023, Black adults had the highest overweight and obesity rates of any race or ethnicity in the United States. Asians and Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders had the lowest rates by far, with roughly ** percent. In 2022, almost ** percent of people aged 65 and older were obese in the United States. This estimate has been steadily increasing since 2013 when roughly ** percent of elderly Americans were obese. Leading health problems worldwide Obesity was considered one of 2024’s biggest health problems: ** percent of adults worldwide stated that obesity was the biggest health issue for people within their country. Around ** percent of adults stated that mental health was the most significant problem facing their country that year.

Mali ML: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 1.900 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.000 % for 2010. Mali ML: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 2.100 % from Dec 1987 (Median) to 2015, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.700 % in 2006 and a record low of 0.500 % in 1987. Mali ML: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mali – Table ML.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

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Epidemiological BMI of Children by Gender (2001-2023)

"Epidemiological" refers to the study of how health conditions, such as diseases and BMI, spread and affect populations.

"Body Mass Index" (BMI) helps assess if an individual has a healthy body weight relative to their height. It categorizes people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

This dataset analyzes BMI data by gender from 2001-2023, offering insights into trends across different populations and genders, with a focus on identifying health patterns and risks.

Why Use This Dataset?

This dataset offers valuable insights into childhood BMI trends, categorized by gender, hospital board, and school year. It is useful for analyzing health trends, building predictive models, and offering actionable health insights.

Key Features

• Regional & Demographic Analysis: Explore BMI trends across hospitals
• Time-Based Trends: Observe changes in BMI categories over time
• Predictive Modeling: Build models to predict future BMI distributions

Source: Open Data from NHS – UK Open Government Licence (OGL)

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In 2016, the prevalence of obesity among adults in the Middle East was the highest for Kuwait at about ** percent, and the lowest for Yemen at about ** percent. The MENA region has high levels of obesity among adults, especially for high income countries such as the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC).

The HSCIC will be changing future publication dates for the four compendia reports which cover smoking, alcohol, drugs and obesity. The new dates for these reports will be approximately: Smoking - will move from end August to end May. Alcohol - will move from end May to end June. Drugs - will move from end November to end March. Obesity - will stay at end Feb (but 3rd March for 2015). One advantage of this change is that the Hospital Admissions data used in the Drugs compendia will now be able to use final data instead of provisional. A consequence is there will be no drugs compendia in 2015 with the next report being in March 2016. However, all the other data used in the report will be available from the sources where it is initially published. If you have any concerns over these changes then please send an email by 27 February 2015 to enquiries@hscic.gov.uk setting out your concerns. This statistical report presents a range of information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources. The topics covered include: - Overweight and obesity prevalence among adults and children - Physical activity levels among adults and children - Trends in purchases and consumption of food and drink and energy intake - Health outcomes of being overweight or obese. This report contains seven chapters which consist of the following: - Chapter 1: Introduction; this summarises government policies, targets and outcome indicators in this area, as well as providing sources of further information and links to relevant documents. - Chapters 2 to 6 cover obesity, physical activity and diet and provides an overview of the key findings from these sources, whilst maintaining useful links to each section of these reports. - Chapter 7: Health Outcomes; presents a range of information about the health outcomes of being obese or overweight which includes information on health risks, hospital admissions and prescription drugs used for treatment of obesity. - Figures presented in this report have been obtained from a number of sources and presented in a user-friendly format. Some of the data contained in the chapter have been published previously by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). Previously unpublished figures on obesity-related Finished Hospital Episodes and Finished Consultant Episodes for 2012-13 are presented using data from the HSCIC's Hospital Episode Statistics as well as data from the Prescribing Unit at the HSCIC on prescription items dispensed for treatment of obesity.

Around 30 percent of those aged 65 and older in the United States were obese in 2023. In comparison, in 2011 around 25 percent of adults aged 65 years and older were obese. What is the most obese U.S. state? As of 2023, the state with the highest share of adults who were obese was West Virginia. At that time, around 41 percent of the adult population of West Virginia was obese. In comparison, around 25 percent of adults in Colorado were obese, making it the state with the lowest rate of adult obesity. Behind West Virginia, the other states with the highest obesity rates include Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Other health risks among older adults One of the biggest lifestyle health risks is smoking. In 2023, around 8.5 percent of American adults aged 65 or older smoked cigarettes. Another major health risk for the elderly is the risk of falling. It was estimated that around 28 percent of elderly American adults fell in 2023.

The consultation on the Lifestyles compendia reports has now closed. Please see the related link at the bottom of this page for more information. This statistical report presents a range of information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources. The topics covered include: - Overweight and obesity prevalence among adults and children - Physical activity levels among adults and children - Trends in purchases and consumption of food and drink and energy intake - Health outcomes of being overweight or obese. This report contains seven chapters which consist of the following: Chapter 1: Introduction; this summarises government policies, targets and outcome indicators in this area, as well as providing sources of further information and links to relevant documents. Chapters 2 to 6 cover obesity, physical activity and diet and provides an overview of the key findings from these sources, whilst maintaining useful links to each section of these reports. Chapter 7: Health Outcomes; presents a range of information about the health outcomes of being obese or overweight which includes information on health risks, hospital admissions and prescription drugs used for treatment of obesity. Figures presented in this report have been obtained from a number of sources and presented in a user-friendly format. Some of the data contained in the chapter have been published previously by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). Previously unpublished figures on obesity-related Finished Hospital Episodes and Finished Consultant Episodes for 2013-14 are presented using data from the HSCIC's Hospital Episode Statistics as well as data from the Prescribing Unit at the HSCIC on prescription items dispensed for treatment of obesity.

This data package contains dataset on prevalence rates of health conditions and diseases like obesity, diabetes and hearing loss and health risk factors for diseases like tobacco, alcohol and drug use.

Bangladesh BD: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 1.600 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.700 % for 2023. Bangladesh BD: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 1.600 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.000 % in 2019 and a record low of 0.700 % in 2000. Bangladesh BD: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Bangladesh – Table BD.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Note: This data was created by the Center for Disease Control, not the City of Rochester. This map is zoomed in to show the CDC data at the census tract level. You can zoom out to see data for all 500 cities in the data set. This map has been built to symbolize the percentage of adults who, in 2017, had a body mass index (BMI) at/above 30.0, classifying them as obese according to self-reported data on their height on weight. However, if you click on a census tract, you can see statistics for the other public health statistics mentioned below in the "Overview of the Data" section.Overview of the Data: This service provides the 2019 release for the 500 Cities Project, based on data from 2017 or 2016 model-based small area estimates for 27 measures of chronic disease related to unhealthy behaviors (5), health outcomes (13), and use of preventive services (9). Twenty measures are based on 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) model estimates. Seven measures (all teeth lost, dental visits, mammograms, Pap tests, colorectal cancer screening, core preventive services among older adults, and sleep less than 7 hours) kept 2016 model estimates, since those questions are only asked in even years. The project was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in conjunction with the CDC Foundation. It represents a first-of-its kind effort to release information on a large scale for cities and for small areas within those cities. It includes estimates for the 500 largest US cities and approximately 28,000 census tracts within these cities. These estimates can be used to identify emerging health problems and to inform development and implementation of effective, targeted public health prevention activities. Because the small area model cannot detect effects due to local interventions, users are cautioned against using these estimates for program or policy evaluations.Data were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Population Health, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch. Data sources used to generate these measures include BRFSS data (2017 or 2016), Census Bureau 2010 census population data, and American Community Survey (ACS) 2013-2017 or 2012-2016 estimates. For more information about the methodology, visit https://www.cdc.gov/500cities or contact 500Cities@cdc.gov.

Singapore SG: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 3.800 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.700 % for 2023. Singapore SG: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 2.700 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.800 % in 2024 and a record low of 2.500 % in 2007. Singapore SG: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Singapore – Table SG.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen gradually over the past decade. As of 2023, around ** percent of the population aged 18 years and older was obese. Obesity is a growing problem in many parts of the world, but is particularly troubling in the United States. Obesity in the United States The states with the highest prevalence of obesity are West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. As of 2023, a shocking ** percent of the population in West Virginia were obese. The percentage of adults aged 65 years and older who are obese has grown in recent years, compounding health issues that develop with age. Health impacts of obesity Obesity is linked to several negative health impacts including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Unsurprisingly, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has increased in the United States over the years. As of 2022, around *** percent of the population had been diagnosed with diabetes. Some of the most common types of cancers caused by obesity include breast cancer in postmenopausal women, colon and rectum cancer, and corpus and uterus cancer.

Note: Some racial and ethnic categories are suppressed for privacy and to avoid misleading estimates when the relative standard error exceeds 30% or the unweighted sample size is less than 50 respondents.

Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (BRFSS) Data

Why This Matters

Obesity is a national and local public health emergency. Today, 4 in 10 adults are living with obesity in the United States, and the obesity rate is on the rise.

Obesity has multiple and complex causes, including genetics, health issues, and the social environment. Obesity can harm quality of life, increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems, and lead to discrimination in education, work, and healthcare.

Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by obesity nationally and locally. Racial and ethnic disparities in obesity are linked to policies and systemic barriers that can make it harder to access healthy foods, exercise opportunities, healthcare, and more.

The District Response

The Produce Plus Program provides financial support for residents with low access to fresh foods to spend at local farmers markets. The Food Access Fund (FAF) Grant increases equitable access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food by supporting the opening of new grocery stores in areas with low food access, with priority given to locations in Ward 7 or Ward 8.

Promoting health through free DPR fitness centers, wellness classes, the MoveDC Plan for active transportation, and health and PE classes in public schools to encourage lifelong exercise habits.

Created the Living Well DC portal for District residents, health professionals, and community-based organizations, which provides information and resources to help improve health outcomes.

United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 6.900 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.400 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 6.900 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.700 % in 2005 and a record low of 5.100 % in 1991. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

A survey of people from 30 different countries around the world found that mental health was the biggest health problem respondents said was facing their country in 2025. Other health problems reported by respondents included cancer, stress, and obesity. The COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic impacted almost every country in the world and was the biggest global health crisis in recent history. It resulted in hundreds of millions of cases and millions of deaths, causing unprecedented disruption in health care systems. Lockdowns imposed in many countries to halt the spread of the virus also resulted in a rise of mental health issues as feelings of stress, isolation, and hopelessness arose. However, vaccines to combat the virus were developed at record speed, and many countries have now vaccinated large shares of their population. Nevertheless, in 2025, *** percent of respondents still stated that COVID-19 was the biggest health problem facing their country. Mental health issues One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a focus on mental health around the world. The two most common mental health issues worldwide are anxiety disorders and depression. In 2021, it was estimated that around *** percent of the global population had an anxiety disorder, while **** percent suffered from depression. Rates of depression are higher among females than males, with some *** percent of females suffering from depression, compared to *** percent of men. However, rates of suicide in most countries are higher among men than women. One positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic and the spotlight it shined on mental health may be a decrease in stigma surrounding mental health issues and seeking help for such issues. This would be a positive development, as many people around the world do not or cannot receive the necessary treatment they need for their mental health.