A new report released by the World Heart Federation has sounded the alarm on the pressing need to tackle the obesity crisis in a bid to curb the soaring rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The “World Heart Report 2025 – Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease”, launched at the World Heart Summit on May 17, underscores the critical link between obesity and heart health, emphasizing that immediate action is essential to reverse a concerning trend.
The report reveals staggering statistics that paint a worrying picture. Since 1975, the global number of obesity cases has nearly tripled, with at least 2.8 million deaths each year attributable to the adverse health impacts associated with obesity. Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarctions, strokes, and heart failures, are among the leading causes of death and disability among overweight and obese individuals. Alarmingly, if current trends persist, data projects that almost two – thirds of adults over 25 years of age could be overweight or obese by 2050.
Obesity poses risks to heart health through multiple pathways. It impacts the body’s insulin response, disrupts fat tissue function, and increases blood fat levels, all of which can exacerbate heart problems. Conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, heart attacks, and blood clots are closely associated with obesity. Moreover, obesity can indirectly affect the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
One of the significant challenges highlighted in the report is the stigma surrounding obesity. This stigma prevents people from seeking adequate treatment, including guidance, lifestyle support, and appropriate medication. Compounding the issue are systemic healthcare gaps and the aggressive commercial practices of companies that produce cheap, processed foods, contributing to an economic burden on healthcare systems.
“To tackle the world’s mounting obesity crisis, governments must implement cost – effective public health measures that improve public awareness and decrease risk factors, recognising obesity as multifactorial and committing to making full treatment options available, accessible and affordable,” said Francisco Lopez – Jimenez, a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and one of the report authors.
The report also offers a range of recommendations for effective intervention. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a nutritious diet and engaging in regular aerobic or resistance exercises, can lead to moderate weight loss and long – term cardiovascular benefits. For some individuals, referral to diet, nutrition, and physical activity consultations may be beneficial. In cases of severe obesity (usually defined as a BMI >35 kg/m² with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, or a BMI >40 kg/m²), bariatric surgery can be an effective option to reduce weight and lower CVD risk factors.
Looking at the global context, the prevalence of obesity has increased in nearly every country from 1990 to 2022. While Oceania has some of the highest obesity levels, with 7 – 8 out of 10 adults living with obesity, significant increases have also been observed in the Middle East, North Africa, and many Pacific and Caribbean island nations. In middle – income countries, CVD mortality attributable to high body mass index is now the highest, with rates reaching up to 67.5 deaths per 100,000 people in North Africa and the Middle East.
In China, the situation is equally concerning. Over the past 40 years, the proportion of overweight and obese individuals has risen rapidly. Current estimates suggest that the overweight and obesity rate among Chinese adults (≥18 years old) is approaching 50%, making China one of the countries with the largest number of overweight and obese people in the world. Projections indicate that by 2030, the overweight and obesity rate among Chinese adults could reach 65.3%, with the number of affected individuals potentially reaching 789.95 million.
The report highlights successful examples from around the world, such as zoning regulations in some countries to limit the density of fast – food outlets and tax – based initiatives to reduce obesity and CVD. Community – based projects, like the Mana Tu project in New Zealand, which increased fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among participants, also offer valuable lessons.
“Longstanding weight stigma and discrimination have hindered efforts to tackle obesity and contributed to the rise of CVDS, so it is urgent to address both,” said Professor Lopez – Jimenez. The report calls on governments worldwide to take targeted action and investment, strengthen health systems, and ensure broader access to affordable medical care for obesity and CVD, in a bid to safeguard global heart health.
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