World Obesity Day 2026: 8 billion reasons to change the story
World Obesity Day 2026 calls on all of us to recognise that obesity is one of the defining health and equity challenges of our time - and that together, we have the power to change its story.
With half of the global population - 4 billion people - projected to be living with overweight and obesity by 2035, the scale of the challenge is clear. But numbers alone do not tell the full story. Behind them are the systems, environments and inequities shaping health outcomes across the world - and the opportunity to act.
This year’s campaign highlights that there are 8 billion reasons to act on obesity: every person, every community and every system has a role to play in building a healthier future.
Why action on obesity matters
A growing challenge for children
Childhood obesity is rising rapidly, with rates of overweight and obesity among school-aged children increasing from 4% in 1975 to nearly 20% in 2022. The increase is most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems often face the greatest resource constraints.
Obesity in childhood frequently continues into adulthood, increasing the risk of serious non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Alarmingly, early signs of chronic conditions are already being observed in children today.
Beyond physical health, children living with obesity often experience stigma, bullying and discrimination - reinforcing harmful narratives and creating barriers to support.
WORLD OBESITY DAY
Obesity does not occur in isolation
Obesity is shaped by the environments and systems in which we live. Poverty, unequal access to education and healthcare, limited availability of nutritious food, and pervasive stigma - including within healthcare settings - all contribute to rising prevalence and poorer health outcomes.
Today, around 1 billion people are living with obesity, and the number of people living with overweight and obesity combined is projected to reach 4 billion by 2035, placing even more individuals at risk of NCDs.
These outcomes are not inevitable. With the right policies, investment and collaboration, we can create conditions that support prevention, equitable care and healthier lives.
World Obesity Day
Three pillars for action
World Obesity Day 2026 focuses on three key areas where change can make a meaningful difference.
For children
Every child deserves a fair start in life. Addressing childhood obesity means creating supportive environments, tackling stigma, and ensuring access to prevention and care from the earliest years.
For health systems
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of NCDs, yet many health systems remain ill-equipped to respond. Integrating obesity into primary care, improving access to treatment, and addressing bias in healthcare are essential steps toward better outcomes.
For all 8 billion of us
We are all affected by the systems shaping health. Action on obesity benefits societies as a whole - improving population health, reducing costs, and supporting more equitable and resilient communities. Progress depends on collaboration across sectors and sustained commitment to prevention and care.
Together, we can change the story
There are 8 billion reasons to take part in World Obesity Day 2026. By helping to reduce stigma, advocating for healthier environments, supporting people living with obesity and promoting equitable access to care, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Watch our flagship video
World Obesity Day website
Visit the World Obesity Day website to explore resources, watch the flagship video and get involved this 4 March.
WORLD OBESITY DAY