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Mc Kinsey report says obesity costs hit US$ 2 trillion annually. This is nearly as much as smoking. 2.1 billion people-some 30% of the global population-are overweighted or obese. It has an impact of 2.8% of global GDP which is significant. This figure is a result of the loss of productivity linked to an excess mortality among workers and to additional costs for the health care system. It means that obesity is not only a health issue but also a major economic challenge. In emerging countries the rate of obesity rises to the same level as that found in developed countries. Paradoxically, the problem of hunger in the world is far from being settled. Nearly 970 million people in the world were suffering from undernourishment in 2012 (UN estimates). But this number decreased nearly 30% in Asia. Moreover, the report underlines that nearly half of the world's adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030. Obviously, changes in food habits but also the fact that more and more of us lead fairly sedentary lives are responsible for this situation. We are now faced with a worldwide problem.

Mo Tailland / 17th December 2014

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