Obesity: Health and Economic Consequences of an Impending Global Challenge

Abstract

This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved.

Factors influencing obesogenic behaviours of adolescent girls and women in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A qualitative evidence synthesis

“…Food system innovations 147,148 offer potential solutions to making healthy food more available, affordable, safe and appealing, while making unhealthy foods less available and affordable. This could be achieved by combining education, regulatory (advertising) and/or fiscal interventions (taxation) while improving implementation of hygiene and food safety standards in all settings, but particularly in schools 8,149 . Transport and urban planning policies could further improve access to healthy food and safe recreation spaces 150 .…”

“…This could be achieved by combining education, regulatory (advertising) and/or fiscal interventions (taxation) while improving implementation of hygiene and food safety standards in all settings, but particularly in schools. 8,149 Transport and urban planning policies could further improve access to healthy food and safe recreation spaces. 150 Education policies should focus more on curricula for nutrition and physical education 33 with the latter aiming to more strongly promote girls' participation.…”

“…Globally, the prevalence of adult women with overweight and obesity increased significantly over a short period of time (from 32% in 2010 to 40% in 2016) 7 . This burden is not equally distributed, as more than 70% of all adults with overweight and obesity live in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) 8 . For adolescent girls (aged 15–19 years) in LMICs, more than 10% are classified as having obesity or overweight, with rates either being stagnant or on the rise between 2000 and 2017 9 .…”

Overcoming Global Food Security Challenges through Science and Solidarity

“…Diet is now the top risk factor for morbidity and mortality globally, with high intake of sodium and low intake of whole grains and fruits the leading dietary risk factors for deaths and disability globally (GBD 2019). The resulting global obesity crisis has been especially problematic in the middle‐income countries, which account for more than 70% of all overweight and obese people worldwide (Shekar and Popkin 2020), leaving LMICs facing an increasingly complex, triple burden of malnutrition: undernourishment, combined with micronutrient deficiencies, as well as obesity (Gómez et al 2013).…”

“…A complementary strategy involves R&D targeted at growing the relative supply of nutrient‐rich commodities, and at improved—and better regulation of—food processing and manufacturing practices (e.g., less disposal of bran in milling, healthful food reformulation) so as to drive down the price of healthy foods, including relative to less healthy ones. There is also a role for shifting relative prices through food subsidies and/or taxes to internalize public health externalities, like the range of sugar‐sweetened beverage taxes that have gained popularity and established their effectiveness in many places (Allcott, Lockwood, and Taubinsky 2019; Shekar and Popkin 2020). In‐kind food assistance programs must emphasize healthy commodities (e.g., nutrient‐rich fruits, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains) and discourage excessive intake of sodium, sugars, fats, and ultra‐processed foods of various sorts.…”