World Obesity Day(WOD) is annually observed across the globe on 4th March to create awareness about the risks of obesity and to promote practical solutions to end the global obesity crisis.
- The observance of WOD is annually organised by the World Obesity Federation (World Obesity), a non-profit organisation in collaboration with its global members.
The WOD 2023 is observed on 4th March under the theme “Changing Perspectives: Let’s Talk About Obesity”.
- The 2023 theme aims to change perspectives: to correct misconceptions, end stigmas and get everybody making the decision to shift from single views to shared strategies.
Background:
i.In 2015, World Obesity Federation established World Obesity Day an annual campaign with the goal of stimulating and supporting practical actions to support people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Initially, World Obesity Day was observed on 11th October.
- The first ever WOD was observed on 11th October 2015.
ii.Since 2020, the date of World Obesity Day has been changed from 11th October to 4th of March.
- The new World Obesity Day on March 4, 2020, was launched to call for a global response to this critical challenge.
Obesity:
i.According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.
- A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.
ii.Obesity is one side of the double burden of malnutrition. At present globally more people are obese than underweight in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
iii.A majority of overweight or obese children live in developing countries, where the rate of increase has been more than 30% higher than that of developed countries.
Key Points:
i.The World Obesity Federation has estimated that in 2035, around 1.9 billion people around the globe will be living with obesity. 1 in 4 people is expected to be living with obesity by 2035.
ii.Childhood obesity is expected to increase by 100% between 2020 and 2035.
About World Obesity Federation:
President– Prof. Louise Baur
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
