Chile faces rising childhood obesity rates and future health risks

Childhood obesity in Chile is rising significantly, with data from the Lancet 2025 Global Burden of Disease study indicating that prevalence tripled between 1990 and 2021. In the 10-14 and 15-19 age groups, the rate quadrupled.

Projections suggest that by 2050, one in three children could be obese, and one in four adolescents aged 15 to 19 may face obesity. Experts warn that without a state policy focused on prevention and structural changes—similar to models seen in France and Italy—this trend will lead to an exponential increase in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, renal disease, certain cancers, and dementia, placing immense pressure on the national health system.