Around the world, children and teenagers are growing up in a very different environment than previous generations. Food choices have changed. Lifestyles have shifted. Screens are everywhere. Now, a major global health warning is drawing attention to a growing crisis. Youth obesity worldwide is rising at an alarming pace, and scientists say the effects could last a lifetime if urgent action is not taken.
What does the new report say?
A new international report by the Lancet Commission warns that by 2030, almost 500 million young people around the world could be overweight or obese. More precisely, 464 million people aged 10 to 24 are expected to be living with overweight or obesity by 2030. This is an increase of 143 million compared to 2015.
Why is this worrying?
Rising obesity rates mean more young people are at risk of serious health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Mental health issues, such as anxiety and low self-esteem
Doctors warn that health problems starting early in life often continue into adulthood.
Where is the problem growing fastest?
The report shows that obesity rates among young people are rising most quickly in:
- Richer countries
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- North Africa
- The Middle East
This shows that the issue is global, not limited to one region or culture.
Why is it affecting so much?
The report explains that many young people live in environments where:
- Unhealthy food is cheap, easy to find, and heavily advertised
- Healthy food is harder to access
- There are not enough rules to protect children from unhealthy diets
This makes it much harder for young people to make healthy choices, even if they want to.
How does climate change play a role?
The climate crisis is making the problem worse. More heatwaves, along with less clean water and safe food, can harm young people’s health. Extreme weather also reduces opportunities for outdoor activity, pushing lifestyles to become even more inactive. This report is a strong reminder that youth health depends not just on individual habits, but on supportive environments, smart policies, and long-term planning. Protecting young people today means protecting the world’s future tomorrow.
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