World Obesity Day (March 4th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every March 4th
What's the official website?	Official Site
Tagged as:	Body & Health Life & Living
What's the hashtag?	#WorldObesityDay
When was it founded?	2015
Who founded it?	World Obesity Federation
We first published this page on:	Nov 2nd, 2022
We last updated this page:	Feb 3rd, 2026

Contents

One of the biggest health crises faced today by the people of the world, obesity affects nearly one in six people.

In fact, approximately 800 million people in today’s world are living with obesity, and more are affected by it, including friends and family members of those who struggle.

Obesity is more than simply being a few pounds overweight, but it is the point where this presents a risk factor to health. Millions of people die each year from problems related to obesity.

World Obesity Day Timeline

c. 25,000–23,000 BCE

Prehistoric Figurines Emphasize Corpulence

Gravettian figurines such as the Venus of Willendorf depict women with pronounced body fat, interpreted by many scholars as symbols of fertility, survival, or abundance in early hunter‑gatherer societies.

5th century BCE

Hippocrates Describes Health Risks of Corpulence

In surviving texts attributed to Hippocrates, the physician notes that “sudden death is more common in those who are naturally fat than in the lean,” showing an early link between obesity and premature mortality.

1628

Harvey Publishes Work on Blood Circulation

William Harvey’s “De Motu Cordis” provides the first detailed description of systemic blood circulation, a breakthrough that later supports scientific understanding of how diet, fat, and metabolism affect cardiovascular health.

1863

Banting Popularizes a Low-Carbohydrate Weight-Loss Diet

London undertaker William Banting issues “Letter on Corpulence,” describing his own weight loss on a low-carbohydrate regimen; the pamphlet becomes widely read and influences modern diet culture and obesity management.

1948

Obesity Listed in the International Classification of Diseases

In the sixth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, the World Health Organization includes obesity among endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases, supporting its use as a formal medical diagnosis.

How to Celebrate World Obesity Day

Get involved with World Obesity Day by raising awareness and showing support locally and in person with some of these ideas:

Attend a World Obesity Day Event

Those who live in a place where events are taking place can choose to show support by attending and getting involved.

It might even be fun to volunteer in advance to help with setup, tear down or other needs. World Obesity Day events might include fun runs or walks, educational events, health care screenings and more.

Stay apprised of larger events by signing up for the World Obesity Day newsletter at their website.

Make Healthy Choices

Individuals can celebrate World Obesity Day by implementing slightly healthier habits in their lifestyles. Go for a walk or some other activity.

Exchange a candy bar for a piece of fruit. Replace soda with a big bottle of water. Practice intermittent fasting (if doctor-approved). Making small, healthy choices can make a huge impact over the long run when it comes to staying fit and active.

History of World Obesity Day

World Obesity Day finds its roots in regional obesity days, one of which was European Obesity Day which got its start in 2010.

This grass roots campaign started with a small group of doctors and patients who were concerned about the growing obesity health crisis. European Obesity Day grew into a major event that included participants from many countries across the region.

World Obesity Day followed a few years later, launched in 2015 as part of the World Obesity Federation’s initiative to raise awareness and support practical solutions.

World Obesity Day is working to help people learn and get resources to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and reverse this health crisis in countries all over the world.

Until 2019, World Obesity Day took place in October, but in 2020 the day changed to March 4.

The hope for World Obesity Day is that everyone will work together to ensure happier, healthier and longer lives for people all over the world.

One particularly concerning factor is that childhood obesity is on the rise, with a projected 60% increase in the number of children who will face childhood obesity by 2030.

World Obesity Day is here to raise awareness about the issues, encourage resources and provide ways for communities to solve these problems together.

Instead of shaming those who struggle with weight problems, communities are encouraged to create a safe environment where people can make an effort to be their healthiest!

Facts About World Obesity Day

Hidden “Obesogenic” Environments Shape Everyday Choices

Researchers use the term “obesogenic environment” to describe neighborhoods and workplaces that nudge people toward weight gain, such as areas with few grocery stores or safe parks but many fast‑food outlets and long car commutes.

The World Health Organization notes that rapid urbanization, car‑dependent design, and the marketing of energy‑dense, nutrient‑poor foods have helped push global adult overweight and obesity to 43% of adults by 2022, with obesity having more than doubled since 1990.

Childhood Obesity Has Quadrupled in Just One Generation

WHO data show that obesity among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years increased from 2% (about 31 million young people) in 1990 to 8% (around 160 million) in 2022, a fourfold jump in just three decades.

When overweight and obesity are combined, roughly 390 million children and adolescents, or 1 in 5 globally, were affected in 2022, with the fastest rises in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

Obesity Is Officially Classified as a Chronic Disease

Obesity is no longer viewed simply as a matter of appearance or willpower.

It is listed in the International Classification of Diseases (for example, ICD‑10 code E66) and described by medical groups and the World Obesity Federation as a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease in which excess body fat leads to tissue dysfunction and health impairment.

This framing underpins calls for long‑term treatment rather than short‑term dieting alone.

More Than 1 Billion People Already Live With Obesity

Using 2022 data, WHO estimates that about 1 in 8 people worldwide are living with obesity, including roughly 890 million adults and 160 million children and adolescents.

The World Obesity Federation’s World Obesity Atlas 2022 projects that this number will reach 1 billion by 2030, with obesity rising fastest in low‑ and middle‑income countries and small island developing states.

Excess Weight Contributes to Millions of Deaths Each Year

Higher‑than‑optimal body mass index is a major global killer. WHO estimates that in 2021 about 3.7 million deaths were attributable to elevated BMI, largely through noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and chronic respiratory and digestive disorders.

These conditions also drive enormous healthcare costs and lost productivity, with global economic impacts projected in the trillions of dollars annually.

The “Obesity Paradox” Appears in Some Chronic Illnesses

Although obesity increases the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, studies in patients who already have certain chronic illnesses sometimes show a puzzling “obesity paradox.”

In diseases such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease, people with higher BMI can have better short‑ and medium‑term survival than thinner patients, a phenomenon documented in large cohort analyses and still actively debated in medical research.

Global Obesity Has More Than Doubled Since 1990

According to WHO, the share of adults with obesity has more than doubled since 1990, while adolescent obesity has quadrupled over the same period.

In 1990 about 25% of adults were overweight; by 2022 that figure had climbed to 43%, reflecting sweeping changes in diet, physical activity, and food systems around the world.

World Obesity Day FAQs

Why do some cultures view obesity differently, and how does World Obesity Day address this?

In some cultures, larger body sizes historically symbolize wealth and prosperity.

For instance, in some African and Pacific Island nations, fuller figures are celebrated as signs of health.

World Obesity Day addresses these cultural nuances by emphasizing the health risks associated with obesity, regardless of cultural perceptions.

It fosters dialogue to balance cultural respect with health awareness.

How has the perception of obesity evolved throughout history?

In ancient civilizations, obesity was often depicted in art as a sign of fertility and status.

Statues like the Venus of Willendorf reflect this admiration.

By the 20th century, however, medical advancements highlighted the health risks associated with excessive weight, shifting the perception from beauty to a medical concern.

What unique methods are used globally to promote physical activity on World Obesity Day?

In Finland, “plogging” events (jogging while picking up litter) are organized to combine fitness with environmental activism.

Similarly, in Japan, community-led group exercises like “radio calisthenics” are promoted, blending tradition and health awareness.

Are there any fictional depictions of obesity that influenced societal views?

Characters in literature, such as Charles Dickens’ Mr. Bumble or the comical Falstaff in Shakespeare, often portrayed obesity as greed or gluttony.

Such depictions contributed to stereotypes that World Obesity Day actively works to dismantle, emphasizing the complex causes of obesity.

How do indigenous communities approach obesity prevention?

Some indigenous groups incorporate traditional diets and physical activities into modern lifestyles to combat obesity.

For instance, Native American communities focus on traditional foods like wild rice and bison while hosting powwows with dance competitions to encourage activity.

What are some creative ways people have celebrated World Obesity Day?

In Australia, art exhibits featuring sculptures and installations highlight the emotional impact of obesity.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, “healthy eating” cooking shows on local TV celebrate nutritious recipes inspired by traditional cuisine.

What role does humor play in raising awareness about obesity?

Some campaigns use humor to tackle serious topics. In the UK, a campaign humorously named “Chunky but Funky” gained attention by pairing quirky slogans with factual obesity information.

Such efforts make discussions more accessible without diminishing the issue’s gravity.

How does climate change intersect with obesity awareness?

Urban planning for sustainability can promote both environmental and physical health.

Efforts like walkable cities and bike lanes not only reduce carbon footprints but also encourage active living, helping combat obesity.

What unusual myths about obesity exist?

One odd myth suggests drinking cold water “freezes fat” and aids weight loss.

While entirely untrue, such myths highlight why global awareness days like World Obesity Day are crucial for dispelling misinformation and promoting evidence-based practices.

How do food festivals tie into World Obesity Day themes?

In Italy, chefs organize cooking festivals focusing on Mediterranean diets, rich in vegetables, olive oil, and lean proteins.

These festivals combine culinary artistry with health education, showing that healthy eating can be delicious.