Obesity linked conditions in children projected to rise

Researchers have estimated that by 2025, almost 268 million children will be overweight, with 91 million obese in a new study. This is assuming that no large scale interventions prove effective at changing current trends. The researchers have also anticipated that obesity related conditions will sharply rise in children. By 2025, 12 million children will have impaired glucose tolerance, 4 million will have T2DM, 27 million will have hypertension and 28 million will have a build-up of fat in the liver.

Member states of the WHO have adopted resolutions aiming to achieve ‘no increase in obesity levels’ by 2025 for infants, adolescents and adults. The figures in this study are based on current trends and therefore the researchers are urging governments, health planners and service providers, to address these problems and take strong action against them. In conclusion, the researchers stated that the 2025 targets are unlikely to be met and service providers must plan for a significant increase in obesity-linked comorbidities as well.