Jonathan Lambert

Around the 1980s, obesity started ticking up in many parts of the world.

Back then, it was mostly a problem for wealthy countries.

But as time went on, it grew into a global phenomenon.

Now, a new analysis finds that obesity levels are plateauing in most wealthy countries and

A few, including France and Portugal, are even seeing declines.

But across many low- and middle-income countries, rates are accelerating.

Some of those countries, including many Pacific island nations, now have some of the highest obesity levels of any country.

The study can't say for sure why this is happening.

Increased availability of sugary drinks and processed foods could be a factor, the authors say.

and laxer food regulations may also be contributing.

Jonathan Lambert, NPR News.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw a major wrench in routine childhood vaccination programs for diseases like measles and polio.

In 2021, more than 25 million children missed at least one vaccination as clinics closed and resources were diverted to fighting the pandemic.

In response, global health leaders launched the Big Catch-Up in 2023.

It was a major effort to get vaccines to kids aged 1 to 5 who'd missed doses.

As the three-year program winds down, the WHO reports that it reached more than 18 million young kids in 36 countries, roughly in line with the original goals.

But millions of kids are still missed by vaccine programs, roughly 14 million in 2024.

In the face of declining foreign aid worldwide, officials worry vaccination rates could worsen again.

Jonathan Lambert, NPR News.

Scientists have traced many human diseases to contact with wild animals.