The study suggests governments to step in in order to “transform diets with sustainable food systems” before things get out of control. “This unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure,” writes lead author Emmanuela Gakidou via statement.

By Jennifer Rigby LONDON (Reuters) -Rates of obesity and overweight are spiralling due to a "monumental societal failure" to tackle the problem, with more than half of adults and almost a third of children and young people set to be affected by 2050,

Nearly 60% of all adults and a third of all children in the world will be overweight or obese by 2050 unless governments take action, a new study said Tuesday.