Obesity, SDGs and ROOTS: a Framework for Impact

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper demonstrates how addressing obesity is vital to achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals and targets, especially target 3.4 on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research by the UN notes that countries are not on schedule to achieve the SDGs. It is noted that obesity, neglected in earlier development goals and overlooked by global health funders and policymakers, is playing a role in major health and development issues. As such, the ROOTS framework developed by the World Obesity Federation offers a roadmap towards attaining several of the goals and targets. SUMMARY: By making these connections, this paper shows that obesity is a relevant and essential component of the global development agenda and must be prioritised to successfully achieve targets related to NCD mortality.