In Norway, a professor has raised alarms about the growing obesity epidemic, asserting that over half of the population now struggles with overweight or obesity, thereby making normal weight an exception rather than the rule. The professor argues that we have essentially lost the battle against obesity, with statistics indicating a dire trend: a 2025 study published in The Lancet predicts that by 2050, 3.8 billion adults and 746 million children and adolescents will be living with overweight or obesity worldwide.

The proposed solutions from the professor include radical measures such as banning all ultra-processed foods, which are a significant contributor to unhealthy diets, and introducing specific restrictions on the sale of sugar, advocating for its placement on a separate 'pole' to limit availability. Additionally, the professor is calling for mandatory cooking classes to equip people with the skills necessary to prepare healthier meals, aiming to promote better dietary habits among the population.

These suggestions highlight the urgent need for effective public health interventions to address the rising rates of obesity. With the statistics becoming increasingly alarming, there is a growing discussion around the responsibilities of both individual choices and government regulations in fostering healthier lifestyles. The proposed policies could change the landscape of food consumption in Norway if they are implemented, but they would also likely spark debate over personal freedoms and public health responsibilities.