According to a new study by The Lancet, India may see around 450 million obese or overweight individuals by 2050, placing it among the top three countries globally, alongside China and the USA. This study highlights a concerning trend of rising obesity linked to unhealthy eating patterns and increased fast-food consumption, indicating a pressing public health challenge ahead.
A recent study published by The Lancet presents alarming projections regarding obesity in India. By the year 2050, it is estimated that India could have approximately 450 million individuals over the age of 25 classified as obese or overweight. This would position India as one of the three countries with the highest prevalence of obesity globally, following China and preceding the United States.
Currently, China holds the highest number of overweight or obese individuals, projected to reach 627 million by 2050, while the United States is expected to have 214 million. The study emphasizes that these three nations will continue to dominate the list of countries with the largest populations of overweight and obese individuals.
Globally, the research estimates that if historical trends persist, around 3.8 billion people over the age of 25 may be classified as overweight or obese, constituting over half of the anticipated global adult population at that time. Out of this number, approximately 1.95 billion are projected to be obese.
In specific regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, the study predicts an extraordinary increase of 254.8 percent in the population of overweight or obese individuals. These findings highlight the growing burden of obesity as a global health issue.
As of 2021, about 2.11 billion adults worldwide were identified as overweight or obese, with China leading at 402 million, followed by India with 180 million and the United States with 172 million. Notably, since 1990, the global prevalence of obesity has risen significantly in both males and females.
In India, estimated obesity rates stand at 4.4 percent for men and 7.5 percent for women. While India, China, and the USA have the highest numbers, the North Africa and Middle East regions are experiencing the fastest increase in obesity prevalence, signifying a concerning trend in those areas.
Additionally, several countries, including Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt, contribute to more than half of the global overweight and obese statistics. The study links the increase in obesity to the focus of fast-food chains transitioning from high-income nations to low and middle-income countries, where economic growth and lenient regulations facilitate market expansion.
From 2009 to 2019, India, alongside Cameroon and Vietnam, observed the highest annual growth in ultra-processed food and beverage sales per capita, further underscoring concerns about dietary shifts contributing to obesity.
In summary, the findings from The Lancet underscore a growing public health crisis regarding obesity within India and across the globe, driven by changing dietary patterns and economic factors.
The findings from The Lancet illuminate a troubling trajectory for obesity rates in India, projecting a staggering 450 million individuals may be affected by 2050. This emphasizes the need for urgent public health initiatives to address dietary habits and lifestyle choices, particularly as global patterns of consumption shift. The implications of these trends extend beyond national borders, signifying a broader health crisis that demands coordinated efforts on multiple fronts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
