WHO Calls for Urgent Action on Obesity Day 2025

TDT | Manama

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March 4, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments, health systems, and communities worldwide to take immediate action against the rising obesity epidemic, which has become one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.

This year’s theme, “Building a Healthy Future: Tackling Obesity Through Prevention and Care,” highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize obesity prevention and treatment. WHO emphasizes that addressing obesity will significantly reduce the global burden of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Obesity Crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The Eastern Mediterranean Region is facing a particularly severe obesity crisis, with WHO data showing that as of 2023, nearly 60% of adults in some countries were overweight or obese. The rise in obesity has contributed to an increase in noncommunicable diseases and placed a heavy socio-economic burden on countries, especially those with limited access to affordable healthy food, safe physical activity spaces, and healthcare services.

To combat this growing crisis, WHO is advocating for:

Promoting healthy diets: Ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food for all communities.

Encouraging physical activity: Creating safer environments for walking, cycling, and exercise.

Regulating food marketing: Reducing the promotion of unhealthy food, especially to children.

Expanding obesity care services: Strengthening weight management programs and medical interventions.

WHO also stresses the need for stronger integration of obesity prevention strategies into national health policies, particularly in regions where obesity rates continue to rise.

A Call for Systemic Change

For years, obesity prevention has been framed as an individual responsibility. However, WHO is shifting the focus to systemic solutions, urging governments, food industries, healthcare providers, and media organizations to take meaningful action.

Key areas of focus include:

Policy development: Integrating obesity prevention into national health agendas.

Education and awareness: Launching public health campaigns on obesity risks and prevention.

Access to care: Expanding obesity treatment options, particularly for underserved populations.

Public-private partnerships: Collaborating across sectors to implement sustainable interventions.

As Obesity Day 2025 unfolds, WHO remains committed to supporting countries worldwide in reducing obesity rates and improving overall public health. By fostering healthier environments and ensuring access to care, a future free from the devastating effects of obesity is within reach.