It is estimated that the number of overweight or obese schoolchildren will surpass 3.1 million by 2040.
The World Obesity Atlas 2026 found that 866,000 children aged five to nine years old were obese, and 1.9 million between the ages of 10 and 19.
It estimated that the number of overweight or obese schoolchildren would surpass 3.1 million by 2040.
The federation also said that some 305,000 children were expected to display early signs of hypertension, while 382,000 were at risk of cardiovascular diseases caused by obesity by 2040.
Globally, 507 million children are expected to be overweight or obese by 2040 if the current trend continues.
The federation said Southeast Asia was expected to see one of the highest increases of obese children from now until 2040, reaching 40 million children aged five to 19 by that year.
“The prevalence of children aged five to 19 living with high body mass index within the region could reach 101 million by 2040,” it said in a press release.
While commonly associated with high-income nations, it said there was a rapidly growing prevalence of obesity in low- and middle-income countries.
The federation said strong policies were needed to reverse this trend, including higher taxes on sugary drinks, restrictions on the marketing of such products to children, and healthier school food standards.
“Governments urgently need to step up prevention and management efforts for children living with overweight and obesity, and ensure that they receive the care they need,” said its chief executive Johanna Ralston. - FMT
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