More than 2.1 billion people globally - or nearly 30 per cent of the world's population - are now overweight or obese, with the figure set to rise further by 2030, according to a study published Thursday.

Obesity is now blamed for around 5 per cent of all deaths worldwide and has a similar negative effect on the global economy to smoking and armed conflict, according to the report by consultants McKinsey Global Institute.

Obesity is now blamed for around 5 per cent of all deaths worldwide, according to the report by consultants McKinsey Global Institute. Credit:AFP

The study predicted that almost half of the world's adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030.

It called for a "coordinated response" from governments, retailers and food and drink manufacturers, arguing that targeted action could bring 20 per cent of obese people back to normal weight within a decade.