The number of people in the UK living with obesity is expected to rise sharply by 2050, with children as young as five much more likely to be affected, new research suggests.
A major global study, published in The Lancet, has revealed alarming predictions about future obesity levels. Experts have called it a “monumental societal failure”, warning that urgent action is needed to prevent a growing health crisis.
How bad could the problem get?
According to the research, obesity rates in children and adults will increase significantly in the coming decades.
Here’s what the data suggests for the UK:
Children (Ages 5 to 14)
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Girls: 12.0% were obese in 2021 → 18.4% expected to be obese in 2050.
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Boys: 9.9% were obese in 2021 → 15.5% expected in 2050.
For younger children aged 5 to 9, obesity rates will rise from 12.6% to 19.3% in girls, and from 9.8% to 15.3% in boys.
Among older children aged 10 to 14, obesity will increase from 11.3% to 17.5% in girls and from 10.0% to 15.7% in boys.
Teenagers and Young Adults (Ages 15 to 24)
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Girls: 15.4% in 2021 → 22.9% in 2050.
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Boys: 12.1% in 2021 → 18.3% in 2050.
Adults (Aged 25 and Over)
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Women: 31.7% were obese in 2021 → 42.6% expected in 2050.
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Men: 29.3% were obese in 2021 → 39.5% expected in 2050.
By 2050, 23.4 million UK adults are expected to be obese. When including those who are overweight, the total could reach 43.4 million adults.
Why is this happening?
Experts say that obesity rates have more than doubled in the past 30 years. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and changes in how food is produced and marketed have all played a role.
The study warns that younger generations are gaining weight more quickly than previous ones, and obesity is happening earlier in life. This means more people could face serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer at younger ages.
A Global Issue
This is not just a UK problem—globally, the study predicts that by 2050:
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More than half of all adults (3.8 billion people) will be overweight or obese.
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Nearly one-third of all children (746 million) will be overweight or obese.
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The number of obese children and teenagers is rising faster than those who are overweight.
What Can Be Done?
Health experts are calling for urgent policy changes to slow down these rising trends. Professor Emmanuela Gakidou, lead author of the study, said:
“Governments must take immediate action to prevent obesity from getting worse. We need better prevention strategies and early treatment options.”
Professor Volkan Yumuk, president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, added:
“Obesity is a major public health emergency that needs co-ordinated action across Europe.”
The study did not take into account the impact of new weight-loss injections, which might help change the longer-term outlook. However, experts agree that tackling obesity will require more than just medical treatments—it also means making healthier food, exercise, and lifestyle choices easier for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Obesity is set to become a major health crisis if nothing changes. The numbers are worrying, but with the right education, policies, and healthcare support, it’s possible to prevent the worst outcomes.
If you’re concerned about your weight or your child’s health, speaking to a GP or dietitian is a good first step. Small changes in daily habits—like eating more fresh foods, reducing sugary drinks, and being more active—can make a big difference over time.
The time to act is now.
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تفنيد الخرافات الشائعة حول أدوية إنقاص الوزن - الجزء الأول