Researchers have analyzed weight and height data from over 230 million individuals in 200 countries between 1980 and 2024. In most countries in Western Europe and North America, obesity among children and young people increased the most before the turn of the millennium.
By the mid-2000s, levels began to stabilize. In countries such as Italy, Portugal and France, a downward trend has even been seen. But in countries such as Sweden, Finland and Australia, the proportion remains the same or is increasing, according to the study.
The study, published in Nature, also shows that in many low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of obesity among both children and adults is increasing, including in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
