Approximately 12,000 children aged 5–9 years and 20,000 adolescents aged 10–19 years in Tajikistan are affected by overweight or obesity, according to the new World Obesity Atlas 2026 report. The report warns that the consequences of obesity can manifest at an early age.
Researchers estimate that among children and adolescents in Tajikistan with a high body mass index, about 2,000 may show signs of hypertension, approximately 1,000 have elevated blood glucose levels, about 3,000 have high triglycerides, and around 6,000 are affected by fatty liver disease (MASLD).
The report highlights several factors contributing to the rising rates of obesity among children. One key factor is diet. On average, children aged 6–10 years consume about 50–100 ml of sugary drinks per day, increasing the risk of excessive weight gain.
Breastfeeding also plays a significant role. The rate of incomplete breastfeeding among infants aged 1–5 months stands at around 71.3%, which may influence the risk of obesity later in life. Additionally, maternal health is a contributing factor. Around 23% of women aged 15–49 in Tajikistan are overweight, and the prevalence of diabetes stands at about 1.5%. Experts note that maternal health and early childhood nutrition significantly impact the risk of obesity in children.
Central Asia: a growing trend
The trends in Central Asia are largely similar. The study shows that Kazakhstan has higher rates of childhood obesity, while Uzbekistan also has a noticeable proportion of young children with excess weight. Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan currently report more moderate levels of obesity, but experts note a gradual increase in these countries as well.
A key factor identified by researchers is the changing dietary patterns, including increased consumption of sugar, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods. These changes are linked to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and the availability of high-calorie foods.
Global trend: obesity is growing faster
According to the World Obesity Atlas, childhood obesity is rising across nearly all regions of the world. Currently, about 177 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 are living with obesity, and by 2040, this number could increase to 228 million.
Globally, approximately 419 million children have excess weight, and by 2040, this number may exceed 500 million, meaning one in every four children on the planet will have a high body mass index. The greatest increase is seen in middle-income countries, where most of the world's children live.
Experts warn that childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, significantly raising the risk of serious diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver diseases. In some cases, signs of these conditions may appear in adolescence.
Expert recommendations
The report's authors recommend that governments take more active steps to implement preventive measures. Among the most effective measures are limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, developing school healthy eating programs, increasing physical activity, promoting breastfeeding, and regular health monitoring of children.
Experts stress that addressing obesity requires comprehensive solutions, ranging from changes in food policies to healthcare reforms. However, the report notes that in many countries, including those in Central Asia, preventive measures have yet to be implemented effectively, and monitoring childhood obesity remains limited.
