Global Obesity Crisis: 60% Of Adults Projected To Be Overweight By 2050
Global Obesity Crisis: 60% Of Adults Projected To Be Overweight By 2050
A recent study has warned that nearly 60% of adults and one-third of children worldwide could be overweight or obese by 2050 unless urgent action is taken.
Published in The Lancet, the study analyzed data from 204 countries and described the rising obesity rates as a major global health challenge. Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) found that the number of overweight or obese individuals surged from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021. If current trends persist, this number could reach 3.8 billion by 2050, putting immense pressure on healthcare systems.
Alarming Projections
- By 2050, one-fourth of obese individuals will be aged 65 and above, increasing the burden on healthcare infrastructure.
- Childhood obesity is expected to rise by 121% globally, with North Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean being among the most affected regions.
- More than half of the world’s overweight or obese adults currently reside in China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt.
Call for Urgent Action
Jessica Kerr, a co-author from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, emphasized the need for strong political commitment to improve global food systems, nutrition, and physical activity. She highlighted the importance of addressing issues like excessive processed food consumption and lack of accessible recreational spaces.
While poor diets and sedentary lifestyles are recognized as key factors, researchers note that social and economic factors also play a significant role, particularly in deprived communities.
Experts urge governments to implement policy changes, public health initiatives, and community programs to combat obesity and its long-term health impacts.
