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World Obesity Day, observed on March 4, aims to raise awareness about obesity. The day challenges misconceptions and promotes systemic changes for a healthier future.
World Obesity Day aims to assess the scale of the global obesity crisis and promote solutions to mitigate its impact. (Image: Shutterstock)
World Obesity Day 2025: World Obesity Day is observed annually on March 4 with the aim of changing perceptions about obesity, eliminating misconceptions and stigma and raising awareness about this medical condition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a significant risk factor for several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and various types of cancer.
World Obesity Day 2025: Theme
The theme for World Obesity Day 2025 is ‘Changing Systems, Healthier Lives.’ It highlights the complexity of obesity and emphasises that tackling it requires systemic changes rather than individual efforts alone.
Addressing obesity effectively requires improvements in various sectors, including healthcare, food environments, public policies and societal structures, to create a healthier future for all.
World Obesity Day 2025: History And Significance
World Obesity Day was first observed in 2015. It is organised annually by the World Obesity Federation, a non-profit organisation that collaborates closely with WHO and the Lancet Commission on Obesity.
The day was established to raise awareness about the consequences of obesity and the need for action at local, national and global levels to combat the growing crisis.
According to WHO, global obesity rates have nearly quadrupled since 1975. Among children and adolescents, the increase is nearly fivefold, affecting people across all ages and social backgrounds in both developed and developing nations.
The primary objective of World Obesity Day is to assess the scale of the global obesity crisis and promote solutions to mitigate its impact.
World Obesity Day 2025: Quotes
- “The causes of obesity are varied and complex, but the lack of daily physical activity is an important factor.” — Risa Lavizzo-Mourey
- “Contradictory as it seems, malnutrition is a key contributor to obesity.” — Madeleine M. Kunin
- “Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating.” — Bob Filner
- “Obesity is not a disease. It is a lifestyle affliction. It is a symptom. It is a side-effect of poor habits and it can be reversed.” — Nancy S. Mure
- “With discipline, you can lose weight, you can excel in work, you can win the war.” — Amit Kalantri
- “More often than not, expecting to lose weight without first losing the diet that made the weight loss necessary is like expecting a pig to be spotless after hosing it down while it was still rolling in mud.” — Mokokoma Mokhonoana
- “Obesity rates are inversely correlated with the amount of time in food preparation. The more time a nation devotes to food preparation at home, the lower it’s rate of obesity.” —Michael Pollan
- “Excess body fat alters the levels of the hormones insulin, leptin, and estrogen, and these factors are believed to be responsible for the acceleration of pubertal timing by obesity.” — Joel Fuhrman
- “People who lie to themselves about investing are the same as overweight people who blame their genes for their obesity.” — Robert Kiyosaki
World Obesity Day 2025: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Symptoms:
- Excess body fat, particularly around the waist
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Snoring
- Skin issues caused by moisture accumulation
- Persistent fatigue
- Pain, especially in the joints and back
Causes And Treatment
Obesity occurs when excess calories — particularly from high-fat and high-sugar diets — are stored as fat in the body. Modern lifestyles, which often discourage physical activity, have contributed to rising obesity rates.
Additionally, genetics can make some individuals more predisposed to gaining weight. In certain cases, underlying medical conditions can also trigger obesity.
The most effective way to manage obesity is through a combination of a balanced, low-calorie diet and regular exercise. Seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare professional can provide valuable support, helping individuals develop healthier eating habits and a positive relationship with food.
