World Obesity Federation

COVID-19 and Obesity: The 2021 Atlas

Early on in the pandemic, it became clear that people with obesity were more likely to experience complications and death due to COVID-19, with our lwqoatest report showing that death rates are ten times higher in countries where more than 50% of the population are overweight. Obesity is a disease that does not receive prioritisation commensurate with its prevalence and impact, which is now fastest rising in emerging economies. COVID-19 provides a new urgency – and inspiration – for everybody to come together and address the root causes of obesity. This means adopting an integrated, equitable, comprehensive and person-centred approach to addressing obesity. Because every body needs everybody.

Read our new report for World Obesity Day,