KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 -- More than 2.85 million Malaysian children aged five to 19 were overweight or living with obesity in 2025, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026.

The report, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day today, warned that the rising prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Malaysia could lead to serious health risks.

By 2040, an estimated 305,000 Malaysian children aged five to 19 may show early signs of hypertension, while 382,000 could develop signs of cardiovascular disease.

The group also warned that the world is set to miss the 2025 global target to halt the rise in childhood obesity, with most countries still off track despite the deadline being extended to 2030.

Across South...