This is the conclusions of a major modelling study of global obesity trends.
Concerning, parts of the world not normally associated with obesity, such as Central and South America, the Middle East and China, are also expected to develop high rates of obesity in the future.
The Study was an analysis of measurement studies done in countries around the world between 1975 and 2014.
The data from the studies was pooled to give a global picture of how the weight profile of the global population has changed.
This information gave estimations of what the UK’s obesity rates might be in 2025, compared with other European countries, presumably based on trends in the data.
The data from the studies was pooled to give a global picture of how the weight profile of the global population has changed.
They looked at the way BMI categories had changed over time for different countries, and calculated the chances of each country meeting the global target to halt the rise in obesity.
The researchers say the trend of increasing obesity slowed among some countries after 2000, notably in countries with high incomes, perhaps as a result of increased concern about obesity.
The researchers concluded that no country has more than a 50% chance of halting the growth of obesity on current trends, and the UK’s chances are between 0% and 25%. They said: “Some high-income and middle-income regions are now facing an epidemic of severe obesity.”