A new study in The Lancet warns that by 2050, 60% of adults and a third of children will be overweight or obese without government action. The number of such individuals has increased significantly, raising concerns about the burden on health systems. Key regions are particularly at risk, highlighting the need for immediate political and dietary reforms to combat rising obesity rates.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals alarming projections concerning global obesity rates. Researchers estimate that by 2050, nearly 60% of adults and a third of children worldwide will be classified as overweight or obese without significant government intervention. This represents a significant increase from 2.6 billion affected individuals in 2021, up from 929 million in 1990.
The study anticipates that the number of overweight or obese adults will soar to approximately 3.8 billion by 2035. Additionally, one-quarter of the overweight population is expected to be 65 years or older, placing immense strain on global health systems. The authors also predict a staggering 121% increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents by the same year.
Regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America are likely to experience disproportionate obesity rates among young populations. The report highlights how over half of the globe’s overweight or obese adults currently reside in just eight countries, including China, the U.S., and Brazil. These regions face unique challenges that further complicate the obesity epidemic.
Despite these daunting statistics, action is still possible. Jessica Kerr, co-author from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, urges greater political commitment to reform food systems to promote healthier diets and increase physical activity. This effort must also address environmental factors that contribute to obesity, such as limited access to recreational spaces.
The findings underscore the urgent need to understand the causes of obesity, particularly among socially deprived groups, as noted by researcher Thorkild Sorensen. The study, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), draws upon extensive data from the Global Burden of Disease study and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to combat this health crisis.
The study indicates an impending global obesity crisis that could severely impact health systems by 2050 unless governments take decisive measures. The projected rise in obesity, especially among vulnerable populations, calls for urgent dietary and environmental reforms. Political commitment and collaborative strategies are crucial to address the underlying causes of obesity and improve population health.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
