A major new global analysis published in Nature on 13 May 2026 offers an update on the obesity challenge. Drawing on more than four decades of data across 200 countries, the study concludes that while obesity remains widespread, its trajectory is no longer uniform worldwide. In many high-income countries, the rapid rise of obesity seen in the late 20th century has slowed, plateaued, or even begun to reverse. Meanwhile, in contrast, rates continue to accelerate in many low- and middle-income regions, particularly across parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and island nations.  

The evolution of obesity reflects food system dynamics: availability, affordability, and accessibility of different types of foods. It is precisely where the seafood and aquaculture sectors represent meaningful solutions. 

Obesity is often framed as a problem of excess calories when it is also a problem of insufficient nutrient quality. Diets high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats but low in essential nutrients promote chronic inflammation, disrupt metabolic regulation, reduce satiety. 

Aquaculture, in particular, has a key role to play by delivering nutrient-dense animal protein, providing essential fatty acids, reaching populations undergoing dietary transition. 

The quality of protein matters as much as quantity. The Nature study emphasises that policy choices can shape obesity outcomes.  

As obesity accelerates in emerging economies, ensuring availability of affordable fish and seafood is critical. Aquaculture already supplies more than half of seafood consumed globally and can continue to expand sustainably. The sector must maintain focus on preserving and enhancing nutrient density in  the diets of farmed fish. This potential is still being explored as shown in our recent campaign featuring leading scientists who have been studying the benefits of phospholipids, marine osmolytes, nucleotides, fish protein hydrolysates and cetoleic acid in fish health and growth. These benefits enable the production of farmed fish than can pass on nutrients to human diets. 

Marine ingredients remain foundational to delivering the nutritional value of aquaculture. Fishmeal and fish oil support efficient production of high-quality protein, enable the provision of essential omega-3 fatty acids and help keep valuable nutrients in the food chains.