Obesity stigma fuels heart disease crisis, World Heart Federation Report says

SWITZERLAND— A new report from the World Heart Federation has sounded the alarm on how widespread stigma and misunderstandings about obesity are preventing people from getting the help they need, putting millions at greater risk for heart disease.

Launched at the World Heart Summit, the “World Heart Report 2025 – Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease” reveals that many common myths about obesity are making it harder for people to access effective treatment.

These challenges are made worse by gaps in healthcare systems and the aggressive marketing of cheap, processed foods, which together are increasing the economic burden on societies.

The report warns that as childhood obesity rates continue to climb, the costs to healthcare systems could skyrocket.

Children with a high body mass index (BMI) are 40% more likely than their peers to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life.

Moreover, the onset of obesity at a younger age can shorten life expectancy, while the psychological toll is significant-obesity has become the leading cause of bullying and discrimination in schools.

Another concerning trend highlighted in the report is that deaths from heart disease linked to high BMI are now highest in middle-income countries, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, where rates reach up to 67.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

Globally, obesity rates have risen in nearly every country between 1990 and 2022, and deaths from CVD related to high BMI have more than doubled in that time.

If current trends continue, the report projects that by 2050, nearly two out of every three adults over the age of 25 could be overweight or obese.

 The shift towards more sedentary desk jobs, longer working hours, and frequent overtime are also contributing to rising obesity and heart disease rates.

Importantly, the report stresses that obesity is not simply the result of overeating or inactivity.

Stigma against people living with obesity often prevents them from receiving proper treatment, support, or medication.

Some healthcare professionals even hold negative biases, which can discourage patients from seeking the care they need.

The economic impact is staggering: if coordinated, evidence-based actions could bring obesity rates back to 2019 levels, the world could save an estimated US$$2.2 trillion  every year between 2020 and 2060.

In high-income countries, the economic burden is expected to triple, while upper-middle-income countries could see a 23-fold increase. Alarmingly, obesity is rising fastest in rural areas.

Professor Francisco Lopez-Jimenez from the Mayo Clinic, one of the report’s authors, emphasized that governments must take urgent, cost-effective public health measures.

These should focus on raising awareness, reducing risk factors, and ensuring that full treatment options are available, accessible, and affordable for everyone.

He also pointed out that policies need to address health disparities and support underserved communities, without further stigmatizing those struggling with obesity.

The report also highlights the importance of access to healthy, affordable food and recreational spaces, which are linked to better physical activity, lower BMI, and reduced heart disease risk.

It notes that some countries, such as Rwanda, Latvia, Japan, and the UK, have successfully used zoning laws to limit fast-food outlets and introduced taxes to help reduce obesity rates.

Community-based projects are also making a difference. For example, New Zealand’s Mana Tū project, developed with Māori and Pasifika communities, has increased fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among participants by 10% on average.

Mariachiara Di Cesare, another report author and professor at the University of Essex, called for governments worldwide to invest in stronger health systems that make medical care for obesity and heart disease more accessible and affordable.

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