The World Obesity Atlas 2026, released by the World Obesity Federation recently, presents a troubling picture of children’s health — weight — around the world. The news is especially troubling for India that now ranks second globally in childhood obesity — an estimated 41 million Indian children are living with obesity. As of 2025, 14.92 million children (5-9 years) and 26.4 million adolescents (10-19 years) in India are classified as overweight or obese. India’s childhood obesity rates are surging by an average of 5% annually, marking one of the fastest-rising trends recorded anywhere in the world. Fatty liver disease is expected to jump from 8.39 million to 11.88 million cases among Indian youth while hypertension will affect 4.21 million Indian children in the next 15 years.

Source: The Telegraph March 10, 2026 03:14 UTC