A recent study from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that UK obesity rates are set to continue rising for the foreseeable future, with many experts branding the rise as approaching crisis stage. Additionally, and in accordance with what many experts have already suggested, there is very little that can be done to prevent such a crisis from occurring.

The figures, which took into account figures and trends from across Europe, predict some shocking statistics which will see 89% of Irish men and 77% of Greek men overweight by 2030. Many countries can apparently expect to see over half of their adults above the healthy weight limit and the trend seems likely to be the case for the majority of European nations.

Current statistics show that the number of overweight or obese people in the UK is already at a worrying level, with the number of obese adults rising from around 13% in 1993 to just over a quarter in 2013. Perhaps more alarmingly, the number of people who were overweight – including those already forming the obesity statistic – rose by around 10% between males and females within the same time.

The WHO report was based on a variety of figures and trends, and is in part based on the UK rate of obesity in children, which actually shows the younger generation as having higher BMIs than their parents.

Even countries that usually record lower obesity figures are predicted to see a rise, with just over a quarter of Swedish men projected to be obese by 2030 compared to just 14% now, and with the rate rising from 12% to 22% for women.

A team of researchers approached the diet experts at a UK based online clinic (121doc) to ask them a little bit about obesity, and they replied with some useful information: "A surprising number of people do not actually understand the difference between being overweight and being obese, and the distinction is important – even though, in most cases, both are best avoided. A body mass index (BMI) of over 25 places a person in the overweight category, whereas anyone with a BMI of over 30 is considered obese. It is incredibly important that people do react to this crisis as much as possible because, as well as the obvious concerns that come with being overweight or obese, there is a serious risk of developing other conditions like diabetes if the excess weight is not curbed."

Many experts have – both in the past and in light of the WHO statistics – pointed to a lack of action as being to blame, but have equally pointed out that taking action against something like obesity is incredibly difficult. Although information about the risks involved with an unhealthy weight have been widely publicised in recent years, it is still considered as an area in public health that needs focused and deliberate improvement.

The majority of medical evidence supports lifestyle changes as the most effective way to handle the obesity crisis, and diet and exercise are recommended by all good health agencies. Of course, as mentioned, putting the theory into practise can be incredibly difficult, especially given the continuing rise of the modern sedentary society.