The report, published by the organization on its account on the ‘X’ platform, reveals worrying shifts in dietary patterns, with excessively processed foods dominating the youth’s diet, exacerbating the problem. Except for Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, obesity has become more prevalent than thinness in most regions of the world. These findings are based on comprehensive data from more than 190 countries, including household surveys, estimates, and projection models. High-income countries stand out with notably high obesity rates, as Chile recorded 27% and the United States 21% among young people. In Germany, one in four individuals in this age group is overweight, with the percentage slightly increasing from 24% in 2000 to 25% in 2022, while the obesity rate remained stable at 8%. The report highlighted that replacing fruits, vegetables, and proteins with processed foods and fast food negatively affects children’s physical and cognitive growth and mental health. Obesity may also lead to reduced academic performance, decreased self-confidence, and difficulties in social integration, with significant treatment challenges if it becomes entrenched from an early age.
