Obesity in France in 2050: a growing concern

Current and projected obesity rates in France

• Adults : In 2020, approximately 17.4% of French adults were classified as obese.
  Statista
  Projections indicate that by 2025 this figure could reach 28%.
  Statista

• Children and adolescents : The obesity rate among French children and adolescents quadrupled between 1990 and 2020.
  Big Think

Economic impact

The economic burden of overweight and obesity in France was estimated at $50.5 billion in 2019, representing 1.9% of the national GDP. This cost is expected to reach $132.57 billion by 2060, or 2.4% of GDP.
World Obesity Observatory

Contributing factors

Several factors explain the increase in obesity rates in France:

• Dietary Habits : The traditional French diet, once considered a protective factor against obesity—a concept known as the “French paradox”—is now being challenged.
  Recent analyses show that less than 11% of French people have "ideal" cardiovascular health, compared to 14% of British people. Furthermore, coronary heart disease affects a higher percentage of the adult population in France (5.6%) than in the UK (3%). High smoking rates, particularly among women, and heavy alcohol consumption are also contributing factors.
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• Physical inactivity : Sedentary lifestyles, characterized by decreased physical activity, are closely linked to increasing obesity rates.

Global context

Obesity trends in France are part of a global picture. A recent study warns that by 2050, nearly 60% of adults and a third of children worldwide could be overweight or obese if preventative measures are not implemented.
France 24

Political responses

In response to rising obesity rates, France has implemented several policy measures:

• Sugar tax : The French government has introduced a tax on high-sugar foods to reduce their consumption and combat obesity. This measure has sparked debate within the government, illustrating the complexity of reconciling public health initiatives with economic and cultural considerations.
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• Pharmaceutical interventions : In October 2024, Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy, a drug targeting obesity, in France. Available by prescription, this treatment is not currently reimbursed by the national health insurance system, raising concerns about equal access to care.
  The World

Conclusion

The projected increase in obesity rates in France requires comprehensive public health strategies, including promoting healthier diets, encouraging physical activity, and implementing effective policy measures. Addressing this problem is essential to limit its impact on health and the economy.