170mn malnourished kids in a world of 1bn obese
The report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), published in London, looks at some major risk factors for disease, disability and death.
Many of these risks are about consumption, either too little or too much, according to WHO's World Health Report 2002 - Preventing Risks, Promoting Healthy Life.
Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, director general of the WHO said: "Two of the most striking findings in this report are to be found almost side by side.
"One is that in poor countries today there are 170 million underweight children, over three million of whom will die this year as a result.
"The other is there are more than one billion adults worldwide who are overweight and at least 300 million who are clinically obese.
"Among these about half a million people in North America and Western Europe combined will have died this year from obesity-related diseases.
"Could the contrast between the haves and the have-nots be more starkly illustrated ?"
The report analyses the world as 14 different regions rather than individual countries. In the group which includes the UK the major risk to health is tobacco, followed by high blood pressure. WHO has outlined the top 10 preventable risks to world health which account for 40% of global deaths.
These are: childhood and maternal underweight; unsafe sex; high blood pressure; tobacco; alcohol; unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene; high cholesterol; indoor smoke from solid fuels; iron deficiency; and being overweight or obese.
The report states healthy life expectancy can be increased by five to 10 years around the world if governments and individuals make combined efforts against major health risks in their region.
If no action is taken, by 2020 there will be nine million deaths caused by tobacco, compared to five million now each year.
WHO is also warning that deaths attributable to overweight or obesity will rise from three million now to five million by 2020 unless something is done.
Christopher Murray, director of the report, said: "Globally we need to achieve a much better balance between preventing disease and merely treating its consequences.
"This can only come about with concerted action to identify and reduce major risks to health.
"Although the report carries some ominous warnings, it also opens the door to a healthier future for all countries if they act boldly now."
