Why is it in the news?
The World Obesity Federation released the World Obesity Atlas 2026 on World Obesity Day (4 March).
The report highlights rising childhood obesity levels and associated health risks in India.
Category: Miscellaneous
Important Points:
● Obesity is defined by WHO as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation posing health risks.
● BMI of 25 or above is considered overweight and BMI of 30 or above is classified as obesity.
● India has the second-highest number of children with high BMI globally after China.
● About 15 million children aged 5–9 years and 26 million aged 10–19 years in India were overweight or obese in 2025.
● Around 41 million Indian children aged 5–19 have high BMI.
● BMI-related hypertension cases may increase from 2.99 million to 4.21 million by 2040.
● Hyperglycaemia cases linked to high BMI may increase from 1.39 million to 1.91 million.
● Global projections indicate 507 million children may be overweight or obese by 2040.