Volunteers helping people for 8 years
Food you can keep up, movement that suits a heavier body, and honest information without blame. Everything we offer is free, for good.
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All free, no catch
Our volunteers built everything below for people who are tired of diets that do not last and gyms that do not feel safe. You do not need an account, a card number or a perfect week to begin.
The bigger picture
In 1990 about one adult in fifteen lived with obesity. Today it is roughly one in six. That rise did not happen because a billion people suddenly lost their willpower in the same few decades.
What changed is the world around us: cheaper ultra-processed food, bigger portions, more sitting at work and at home, longer commutes, less sleep and more stress. Our genes did not change, but the setting they live in did.
The Americas and the Eastern Mediterranean now have the highest rates. South-East Asia and the Western Pacific still have the lowest, but there the share has grown more than fivefold since 1990.
1990 Latest figures
WHO Global Health Observatory (NCD-RisC estimates), accessed October 2026
| 1990 | Latest figures | |
|---|---|---|
| Americas | 14.0% | 34.4% |
| Eastern Mediterranean | 10.1% | 28.8% |
| Europe | 13.8% | 20.9% |
| Africa | 3.6% | 12.7% |
| Western Pacific | 1.6% | 9.7% |
| South-East Asia | 0.9% | 8.3% |
The chart shows 15 countries where many of our readers live. The grey dot is 1990, the blue dot the latest WHO figures. A long line means a fast rise.
1990 Latest figures United States
WHO Global Health Observatory (NCD-RisC estimates), accessed October 2026
| 1990 | Latest figures | |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 19.6% | 43.9% |
| United States | 18.7% | 41.0% |
| Mexico | 14.5% | 37.4% |
| Brazil | 8.7% | 30.1% |
| United Kingdom | 12.0% | 27.4% |
| Pakistan | 3.1% | 24.5% |
| Germany | 13.9% | 20.6% |
| Russia | 16.7% | 17.6% |
| Spain | 14.6% | 15.3% |
| Netherlands | 8.3% | 14.7% |
| Italy | 12.3% | 14.0% |
| France | 10.1% | 11.2% |
| China | 1.3% | 9.3% |
| India | 0.8% | 8.0% |
| Bangladesh | 0.3% | 5.8% |
Some of the steepest climbs are in countries where few people lived with obesity a generation ago, such as Pakistan and Brazil. In much of western Europe the rise has slowed, but it has not reversed anywhere on this list.
Children and teens
Among children and teenagers aged 5 to 19 the change is even sharper. In 1990 fewer than 2 in 100 lived with obesity. Today it is more than 8 in 100, with boys slightly more affected than girls.
Children cannot choose their school meals, their neighbourhood or what is advertised to them. Shaming them does not help; a calm home routine with regular meals, play and enough sleep does.
Source: WHO Global Health Observatory (NCD-RisC estimates), accessed October 2026
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | Latest figures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | 2.1% | 3.6% | 5.7% | 8.2% | 9.4% |
| Girls | 1.7% | 2.8% | 4.1% | 6.0% | 6.9% |
Check in 30 seconds
Fill in your height and weight to see your BMI and what it means. It is a starting point for a conversation, not a judgement about you.
BMI does not show where fat sits or how fit you are. That is why we also offer a waist-to-height calculator and a page on how obesity is measured.
Your numbers stay in your browser. We do not store or send them.
Your details stay on your device. Nothing is sent or stored.
Our approach
We believe lasting change comes from habits that fit your body and your life. That is the help we offer, and it is the same for everyone.
Regular meals with vegetables, protein and fibre keep hunger quiet. No crash diets, no foods you are never allowed again.
Exercises chosen for heavier bodies and tender knees. Start seated if you need to, then build strength week by week.
A short daily walk lifts mood, sleep and blood sugar. Add a few minutes at a time and let your body set the pace.
Medication and surgery are personal decisions to discuss with your doctor. We never promote weight-loss medication. Whatever you choose, good food and regular movement remain the foundation, and we help with exactly that. Overview of treatment options
Myths and facts
“It is just a lack of willpower.”
Hunger hormones, genes, sleep, stress and the food around us all steer weight, not willpower alone.
“You have to lose a lot before it counts.”
Losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can already lower blood pressure and blood sugar.
“Exercise only matters if the scale moves.”
Moving more helps your heart, mood and sleep at any weight, even if the scale stays the same.
“Eating less is all it takes.”
Very strict diets often make the body fight back with more hunger. Steady meals last longer.
Each level will have 50 free videos. They are being filmed now; join the club to hear when they are ready.
Who we are
Eight years ago we started with one idea: help for people living with obesity should be kind, honest and free. Many of our volunteers know from their own lives what it is like to be judged for their size.
So we write in plain words, never blame and sell nothing. No ads, every tool free, in 13 languages.
Yes. The eating plan, workouts, calculators, guides, club account and video meetings cost nothing. We have no ads and nothing to sell.
The World Health Organization describes obesity as a chronic, complex disease. Genes, biology, surroundings, sleep, stress and mental health all play a part, not only personal choices.
No. We never promote weight-loss medication. You are free to discuss it with your doctor. We focus on good food, suitable exercise and walking, which help whatever else you decide.
No. Our advice is general and not based on your personal situation. Always see your doctor first, and book a free video meeting if you would like a personal conversation with one of our volunteers.
For people living with obesity, their family and friends, and professionals who support them. Everything is available in 13 languages.
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