More children risk developing diseases at an early age that are normally associated with adults.
This emerges from an analysis by the World Obesity Federation, reported by The Guardian.
According to the report, at least 120 million schoolchildren could show early signs of chronic diseases linked to high body weight by 2040.
More children with excess weight
Globally, many children are already living with overweight or obesity. In 2025, it is estimated that around 180 million children are living with obesity.
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According to the report, that number could rise to around 227 million children by 2040.
At the same time, more than half a billion children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are expected to be overweight.
Obesity is measured in part using BMI. A BMI above 25 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more is classified as obesity.
The organization’s director, Johanna Ralston, believes the trend shows that the problem is not being taken seriously enough.
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Differences between countries
The figures vary widely from country to country. In the United States, around 27 million children are estimated to have an elevated BMI.
Only China and India rank higher, with approximately 62 million and 41 million children respectively.
The report also highlights the United Kingdom as a country with high numbers. Around 3.8 million children there have a high BMI.
According to the World Obesity Federation, political measures are needed to make it easier for children to live healthier lives.
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Sources: The Guardian, and World Obesity Federation.
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